Walter Edward Childs, Jr., was born November 28, 1947 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the eldest of five (5) children born from the union of the late Walter E. Childs, Sr. and Sylvia M. Childs. Walter (Walt) was educated in the School District of Philadelphia and graduated from Thomas Edison High School in 1965.


After graduation, Walt was a diligent employee and held positions at Barney’s Supermarket, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Store, Ladybug and Villager’s. In 1968, he was hired at Merck Sharpe & Dohme in West Point, PA. He worked in their Research and Manufacturing Divisions for 25 years. He later worked at Hahnemann Hospital, also in their Research Department as a Certified Laboratory Animal Technician (LAT), for 3 years before retiring.


Walt married Ms. Darlene Harris in 1968. From this union two daughters were born, Tracey and Stacey. He was an attentive loving father, and enjoyed family vacations at the beach, as well as trips to Virginia to visit family. Walt cherished his two girls and was very proud of the professional women they had become.


He later met and married Elizabeth Ann Curtis in 1989. From their union was born a son, Walter III and a blended family with Ronald and Heather. Walt and Elizabeth enjoyed taking trips to Atlantic City, since Walt was pretty lucky at card and the crap tables. They enjoyed sitting in the park talking about an arc of topics over cups of Wawa coffee. They enjoyed cooking meals together; he, the morning short order cook; she, the evening chef! Walt enjoyed sitting around his other son Ron’s barber shop enjoying the lively banter. He enjoyed talking with his son Walter and supporting his professional and life endeavors. He was so proud to see his son get married just a year ago. He enjoyed talking to Jaxson his grandson and interesting talks with his other daughter, Heather.


Most interestingly, however, that as the ‘layers of life’, and some miles should have separated them later in their marriage, they both worked even harder to remain committed to each other. Both had come to agree that God...and only God...would be the center of their marriage.


His wife had remained devoted and patiently praying for her husband. She didn’t care how long it would take for God to be God. Men and Women of God who loved Walt would minister to him while sharing a breakfast meal, or stop and chat with him around town as he walked his four-legged, best friend, Gizmo. And, Walt; the man gifted with a love for wisdom, would finally surrender and take it all in.


Walt had recently made the decision to return to God. He enjoyed attending Zion Baptist Church in Ambler. He felt so much joy! Praise The Lord! His wife thanks those saints who walked and talked with them both. God’s plan is a perfect plan. His timing is exact! And, although, his wife misses him profoundly, she is so glad that her husband is with The Lord! Amen!


Those who got to meet Walt know he was a very inquisitive person. Therefore, when he got to talking, he could ask questions for hours. He was a caring man and enjoyed helping others. He was very diverse in a range of topics. Whether it was a piece of advice, clothing or food, he did not mind sharing.

Walt was a blessing to his mother, and mother-in-law, Mrs. Mattie M. King who loved him dearly. His gift of patience and compassion will always be remembered and greatly appreciated.


He also spent time with his daughter, Tracey, helping her through her illness. They spent mornings watching Joel Osteen where he would repeat Romans 10: 9-10, the prayer to give his life to the Lord. Praise God!


In one of his last conversations with his wife, he asked, “How do I pray?” He wanted to know how to pray effectively; especially, for his daughter.
Walt admired how his son-in-law, Greg prayed aloud for his wife. Also, he talked about the tenderness that Greg exhibited towards his wife, Tracey.
None of this had gone unnoticed from Walt’s range of sight. In fact, the last few weeks of their lives spent together, had touched him in a profound way. He had applied what he witnessed and heard between Tracey and Greg to his own marriage:


“It was a ‘joy’ talking to you. I love you,” were his very last tender words spoken to his wife, during the early morning hours.
“I love you too!” were her last tender words, she had spoken to her husband. The words had come from the “joy” in her pierced heart!


The Lord called Walt home on February 19, 2019.

He was preceded in death by this brothers:Vincent and Gilbert, his sister Vera and his dog, Gizmo. Leaving to mourn their great loss: His loving wife Elizabeth Ann (Betty); his beloved mother Sylvia Marie Hoggard; his five children: Tracey Ray(Greg, Esq.), Stacey Frenche (Rick), Walter E Childs, III (Nicole), Ronald Curtis, Jr. (Trisha) and Heather Shandler (Jason); eight grand children: Gian Ray, Sydney Ray, Marcus Curvan, Jaxson Shandler; Makkah,Taharra, and Bruce Faulks; one loving sister Gloria M. Childs, one brother James C. Hoggard, Jr., a special sister Madeline Akes; a sister-in-law Corinthia Johnson, a brother-in-law Kevin Johnson (Debra), and a host of uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.


Our Walter will be missed and loved always.


Lovingly Submitted,


The Family

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