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Frances Sargent Childs, 94, passed away on Wednesday, December 26, 2023 at Coble Creek in the Twin Lakes Community in Burlington, N.C., surrounded by her loving family. She was the daughter of the late James Arnold Sargent and Vashti Bohler Sargent of West Point, Ga., and was married for over 63 years to the late Dennis Asbury Childs, who died in 2015.

Frances was a member of Gibsonville United Methodist Church, in Gibsonville, NC. Prior to moving to Twin Lakes, she and Dennis were active members of Auburn First United Methodist Church in Auburn, Ala., for over 50 years, where they taught Sunday School and served in many other ways.  Prior to AUMC, she was a member of the First United Methodist Church in West Point, Georgia, where she grew up. 

She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from Converse College in Spartanburg, S.C., and her master’s degree in psychology from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala. For over 18 years, she served as psychometrist, counselor and Special Education Coordinator for Auburn City Schools and then opened a private practice providing independent testing and counseling for children with learning disabilities for 10 years. In her free time, she enjoyed reading, especially books written by C.S. Lewis, gardening, and spending time with her family.

She is survived by her sons, Michael Childs (Patricia) of Athens, Ga., and Scott Childs (Tresa) of Knoxville, Tenn.; grandchildren, Christopher Childs (Cynthia) of Athens, Ga, Daniel Childs (Kirsten) of Durham, N.C., and Caroline Childs of Avon, Co.; great-grandchildren, Caleb and Lydia Childs, of Durham, N.C., and her sister, Marianne Duncan of West Point Ga., as well as two sisters-in- law, Marie Cooksey of St. Augustine, FL and Marian Goodman of Hendersonville, NC, and many cousins, nieces and nephews.  

The family would like to thank the nurses and staff at Twin Lakes Piedmont Community for the compassionate care they showed their mom during her time there.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Employee Assistance Fund of Twin Lakes Community Charities: https://twinlakescomm.org/Community-Outreach

There will be a service to celebrate Frances’ life held at the Auburn United Methodist Church in Auburn, AL on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 11:00 am.