Mother Donna Mae Stretchen Childs of 2106 Shady Lane, Cordele, Georgia, died Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the Cordele Health and Rehabilitation Center in Cordele, Georgia.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, in the sanctuary of the Beautiful Zion Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia.  The burial will follow at the Bethel Cemetery in Cordele, Georgia.

Mother Donna Mae Stretchen Childs, a woman with a beautiful, giving heart and spirit, entered eternal rest on Thursday, July 31, 2025. She was born on June 3, 1938, in Smithville, Georgia, to the late Mr. David Stretchen, Sr. and the late Ms. Lillie Lee Jenkins. Her life was a testament to love, community, and faith.

A devoted member of the Beautiful Zion Baptist Church in Cordele, Georgia, she served her congregation with unwavering faithfulness. Her dedication was recognized when she was honored with the title of Mother of the Church, a role she cherished deeply.

Mother Childs had a profound love for fishing and cooking, passions she generously shared with her family. Her gatherings were filled with warmth, laughter, and the delicious meals that she lovingly prepared. She held a special place in her heart for all of her nieces and nephews, ensuring that each felt her boundless affection.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Mr. Clifford Childs, Jr., and her siblings, Mrs. Ruby Jenkins Jones, Mrs. Lillie Ruth Stretchen Dawson, Mr. Eddie Stretchen, and Mr. David Stretchen, Jr. Her legacy of love and kindness lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Donna Mae Stretchen Childs will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her, but her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the lives she touched. May she rest in peace, reunited with the Lord she so faithfully served.

Cherished memories are left with her loving sister, Mrs. Eassie Mae Stretchen Waite of Americus, Georgia; a special niece, Ms. Brenda Stretchen of Cordele, Georgia; a devoted nephew, Mr. Jesse Stretchen of Cordele, Georgia; her goddaughter, Ms. Ashley Young of Cordele, Georgia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and many sorrowing friends will forever remember her generous spirit.