Marilyn A. Childress, beloved wife of AJ Childress, was called home on Thursday, April 18th, 2024. Known to many simply as "grandma," she was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, missionary, and friend. At the time of her homecoming, Marilyn was blessed to be surrounded by her granddaughters in the comfort of her home. She felt peace in the love and prayers of family and friends. Marilyn was born in Michigan City, Indiana, to the parents of Opal and Ray Engle on March 29th, 1932. Her loving family traveled frequently and spent summers with their large extended family on the family farm. By the grace of God, she met the love of her life, AJ, at 18 and was married for over 60 years to her best friend. Marilyn was the birth mother to 5 children but opened her heart and home to many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and neighbors. Marilyn had a servant's heart and devoted her life to spreading God's love through simple acts of kindness. After moving to Ridge Manor, Florida, in 1974, she became a founding member of the Ridge Manor Baptist Church. Throughout her lifetime, she was active in church ministries and home missions through the Women's Missions Unit (WMU). Marilyn was preceded in death by her husband, AJ, sons John, Gerald, andJoel Childress, and her daughter, Janice Boltin. Mourning her departure are her son James Childress, adopted son Cliff Allen, son-in-law Bennett Boltin, and grandchildren Tina Hall, Crystal Childress, Patricia Knight, Deb Rathel, Amanda Boltin, and Adam Childress. "Grandma's" life will be remembered by many family and friends, including 24 great and great-great-grandchildren. Homecoming Services in memoriam will be held at Hodges Funeral Home, 11441 US/301 Dade City, Florida, 33525 on Friday, May 3rd, at 11am. The family will receive guests with a brief visitation beginning at 10am before the service. Guests unable to attend may send cards with words of encouragement to the family who appreciate your love and prayers. Family and Friends are invited to join the family for a reception at Papa Joe's Restaurant at 6244 Springlake Hwy, Brooksville, Florida 34601, for a light buffet luncheon following the services at approximately 1pm. This time is a celebration of Marilyn's life and homecoming. The family will cherish memories and happy moments and asks that you join them to remember and rejoice in a life well lived. Marilyn was a spiritual woman who will live forever in our hearts and one day welcome us home in Heaven. Memorial Donation Visitation Friday, May 3, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525 Funeral Service Friday, May 3, 2024 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM Hodges Family Funeral Home (Dade City) 11441 US HIGHWAY 301 Dade City, FL 33525