Mary E. Childers

Our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and Aunt, Mary Hotelling Childers, age 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 9, 2025. While our hearts are heavy with loss, we are comforted by the knowledge that she has returned to the God she loved so faithfully.

Mary was born on March 12, 1934, in New York City, New York, to the late Lyall Hotelling and Lila Bellis. She was a lifelong resident of Hamilton, Ohio, Mary resided in recent years at Huntington Court. She was a well-known and loved figure in her Christian community, serving for a time as a Pastor, and living her life as a testament to her devout faith. Mary's genuine, guiding faith moved her from prayer to action. When she saw a need, she met it—whether through sharing from her own pantry to feed a hungry family or actively serving with her women's prayer group. Family was paramount to Mary, and she seemed to love nearly everybody with the wholehearted measure captured by her favorite song: "A Bushel and a Peck (and a hug around the neck)." Beyond her ministry, Mary was a talented creative woman who loved sewing and the quiet art of crocheting, finding joy in making intricate doilies and teaching that skill to others. Mary is survived by her loving daughter, Diann (DiAnn) Hampton Johnson of Hamilton, Ohio. Mary’s legacy continues through her six grandchildren: Jason Toennisson, Jeremy Frederick, Tyler Childers, Stacy Childers, Taylor Childers, Mandy Childers, along with sixteen adored great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lyall and Lila Hotelling; her husband, Howard Childers; her brother, Lewis Hotelling; and three of her children who tragically preceded her in passing: Deborah (Debbie) Cayse Matlock, James Vernon Childers, and Gregory Lynn Childers. The family is especially grateful for the caregivers at Huntington Court who dedicated many hours in loving service providing care for Mary during her last years. The family also expresses gratitute to her Pastor, brother Gil, for his frequent faithful visits to keep her spirits up. And the family truely appreciates all the kind caregivers throughout her later life, especially Rhonda. THE WEBSTER FUNERAL HOME 3080 Homeward Way, Fairfield, OH 45014 is serving the family. A graveside service will be held on Friday November 14, 2025 at 1:00PM at Rose Hill Burial Park in Hamilton. In lieu of flowers the family are accepting donations to cover Mary's final expenses. Contributions may be made to the family fund at Webster Funeral Home or online at GoFundMe: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14MQvN2mBdW/

The family is immensely grateful for the many expressions of love, prayer, and support.