Guthrie Ruth Hall Childs, a loving wife, devoted mother, cherished

grandmother, and compassionate community servant, passed away

peacefully on Saturday, April 26, 2025. She was born on September 21,

1935, in Whistler, Alabama, the eldest child of Decatur and Augusta

Gill Hall.

A proud graduate of Mobile County Training School, Guthrie dreamed

of becoming a nurse. Though delayed by the segregation-era lack of

opportunities, she persevered and began her nursing journey when a

school for Black students opened in Mobile in the late 1950s. She

earned her LPN and began her career at St. Martin de Porres Hospital,

which was established to serve the Black community during

segregation. Determined to grow further, she later became a registered

nurse through Bishop State Junior College.

Guthrie was a beacon of love, strength, and unwavering faith. As a

wife, mother, and grandmother, she was a constant source of

encouragement and care. She was deeply committed to her church and

community, dedicating countless hours to volunteer work. Her most

treasured organizations included the Mobile Red Cross and Church

Women United.

At Legacy Church at Toulminville-Warren Street UMC, Guthrie was a

beloved and active member. She participated in the Good Samaritans,

United Methodist Women, Communion Stewards, and the choir. In

retirement, she passionately led the Health and Welfare Committee at

the church, district, and conference levels—using her nursing

background to educate others about health concerns and advocate for

marginalized communities. Her life was a ministry of compassion and

service.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, her beloved husband,

James J. Childs; her children: Paul (Angela) Childs of Fayetteville, GA,

Ashley (Michael) Childs Dunklin and Andy (Tracey) Childs both of

Mobile, AL; her grandchildren: Indya Childs, Austin Childs, Katelyn

Childs, Sydney Dunklin, and Ashton Dunklin; her loving brother,

Joseph (Esther) Hall; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family,

church members, and dear friends.