Allene Clowney Childs

Allene Clowney Childs, is the third and youngest child of Louis and Lilly Mae Clowney. “Doll Baby”, affectionately labeled by family and friends, was born on March 22, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan but was raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina where she graduated from Friendship Junior College and excelled academically in math, science and biology. She later became a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) but was prevented from obtaining a Registered Nurse (RN) degree due to marriage and childbearing (a standard practice at the time; RNs had to be single and childless). Our mother was a natural caregiver whose nursing career spanned 57 years; she worked at Robert Long Hospital, Sidney & Lois Eskenazi Health Care (back when it was General Hospital), Richard L. Roudebush V.A. Medical Center (retiring 2004) and part-time at several area nursing homes.

Doll Baby loved to cook and entertain; she loved presenting her culinary creations on and in silver platters, gold-rimmed bowls and crystal. She would knit the warmest scarves and coverlets in any color you desired. She loved card games and bingo; she pursued the largest winnings but was probably glad to be away from our bickering and mess.  Our mother loved to travel; she has visited all U.S. states except the Dakotas; Doll Baby was always ready to go. She visited Korea and Japan when our brother Sherman’s AFB station was in Okinawa.  The number #1 Pacer fan of all time, she loved the NBA and did not miss a Pacers’ home game since 1977 until her health declined in recent years. She never tired of talking about Reggie Miller, Isaiah Thomas and Magic Johnson. We feel she liked them better than us on most days… Doll Baby did so many things well, but I’ll wager her friends will say she was loyal and accommodating. She loved car rides, visiting her friends and neighbors and participating in everything that involved fun!

Mama exercised faith at Christian Faith MBC, where she and daddy were founding members, for the past 32 years. Sis. Allene Childs was known for her dedication and generosity. She performed as Deaconess and Missionary President. Mama loved the Masonic Order and was a member of Purity Chapter #51, as Past Worthy Matron and Grand Nurse Supervisor (twice) of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, Order of Eastern Star, Jurisdiction of Indiana; Alpha Grand Court Heroines of Jericho State of Indiana and Jurisdiction of the United States and the Bahamas, 11th Past Most Grand Ancient Matron; Past Most Ancient Matron of Pride of Composite Court #2, Heroines of Jericho; Charter member and Past Most Ancient Matron of Rahab Court #3, Heroines of Jericho; Household of Ruth; Honorary Past General Conference Grand Most Ancient Matron of the General Conference of Grand Courts, Heroines of Jericho, Prince Hall Affiliation, United States and the Bahamas. Our mother was a proud and practicing member of Black Nurses Association of Indianapolis since its inception until her health declined. Doll Baby also participated with events for the Urban League and was a past board member of Flanner House.

Allene Clowney Childs married our father, David R. Childs Sr. (deceased) in 1941 and gave to each one of us unconditional love and encouragement: Deborah Adams (deceased), David Jr. (deceased), Sharon Ann Childs–Kolawole, Wendell Louis (deceased), Carole Marie Adams, Sherman Mitchell, Jeffrey Jerome (deceased), Carla Jean Ford (Darren) and Tammy Lynn. We gave her 21 grandchildren, lost count at 32 great-grands and 15 great great-grands. Her parents and siblings, Mae Francis Wilson (Edwin Sr.) and Walter Clowney (Gloria) are deceased. Doll Baby always took us to family reunions; she was the fun and joy of her nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, family friends and neighbors. Our family home was 4155 N. Park Ave. for over 60 years; everyone was welcome in our home. Mom was a guest at Joy House, an adult care program, where she was lovingly named, “Queen Ms. Allene”; thank you Joy House staff for always having our best interest at heart.

Allene Clowney Childs passed on September 12, 2021 (she was 94 years, 5 months and 20 days young) at home where she was lovingly attended by her children. We extend our thanks to our Christian Faith MBC church family, Masonic Orders, BNA, Sister Ella Cunningham, Mary Jo Johnson, and Barbara Reynolds who regularly visited and cared for mom. Mama loved Jesus and we are sure she’ll be on the express elevator “UP” as she always tried to instill the fear of God in us and our children. We miss her already and honor her memory as an excellent wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, caregiver, spiritual muse, Eastern Star, Heroine, nurse, friend and neighbor.

God bless each and all for everything you shared with our mother and us!

Services will be livestreamed on Monday, September 20th at 1pm here