Naomi Anna Willis Childress

Naomi Anna Childress, a beloved member of her family and community, passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family on Friday, October 27, 2023. She was born on November 7, 1930, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, and was one of nine children to George Washington Willis and Marcella Gibson Willis.

Naomi was a life-long member of Clifton Second Baptist Church where she had many years of perfect attendance in Sunday School.  Loving her church and church family was something she did well.  She always helped with Vacation Bible Schools, serving in lots of capacities and of course, making and serving refreshments for the children.  

Naomi had a deep love for sports. She was an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team and enjoyed watching Nascar races with her beloved family. These shared moments created lasting memories and strengthened the bonds within their close-knit family.  One of Naomi's proudest accomplishments was defying age stereotypes. Even at the age of 85, she could still jump rope and hula hoop with grace and enthusiasm. Her youthful spirit inspired others to embrace life at every stage.

Naomi's education played an important role in shaping her life. She graduated from Cowpens High School and went on to attend Cecil's Business College, where she developed valuable skills that supported her throughout her professional journey.

Naomi had a deep love for her grandchildren, gardening, crocheting and cooking for her family.  She had a wide range of hobbies and interests that brought joy to both herself and those around her. She had a talent for baking cakes.  However, it was as a biscuit maker that Naomi truly shone brightly; she was known as a "world-class" biscuit maker among family and friends.

Naomi is preceded in death by her parents; George Washington Willis and Marcella Gibson Willis, her husband; William Solomon Childress who passed away in 2003, son-in-law; Robert Morrow, and siblings; Elmer and Mabel Willis, Delbert and Nell Willis, Paul and Juanita Willis, Ruth and Eston Crocker, Ernest Willis, Gary Willis, and Frank Willis.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and fond memories cherished by her daughter, Gail Morrow. Additionally, Naomi is survived by her grandchildren, Kristi (Dan) Minor, Jason Morrow (Brian), Adam (Mandy) Morrow, four great-grandchildren, Jessica Minor, Mason Minor, Wesley King, and Alyssa Morrow. She is also survived by her sister, Frances Wright along with numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends at a visitation at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 E Main St in Spartanburg, South Carolina., 29307, November 2, 2023, from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Immediately following the visitation, a graveside service will be held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens at 12:00 PM with Reverend David Moore officiating.   

For those wanting to pay their respects to the family, they will receive family and friends at the home of Adam and Mandy Morrow.

Flowers may be sent or memorials may be made to Animal Allies at https://animalalliesclinic.org/contributions/

Naomi Anna Childress will forever be remembered as a talented craftswoman, a passionate sports enthusiast, and a beloved member of her community. Her kind heart and warm smile touched the lives of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in eternal peace.