Emily Dobson Childress

Emily Dobson Childress (86) of Kingsport died on February 26th, 2025 surrounded by the love of her family and other cherished caregivers. She was a lifelong resident of Kingsport, daughter of L.W. (Jimmie) and Emma Lou McIllwain Dobson.

Emily’s upbringing was enriched by community schools – from romping on the playground at Lincoln Elementary to playing drums in the band at Dobyns-Bennett. Her mother was a teacher, and Emily continued that tradition after graduating from the Peabody College of Education at Vanderbilt.

Emily taught math at Dobyns-Bennett and together with her family continued the legacy of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, which was co-founded by her father.

She was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where she served as an elder, deacon, youth advisor, Sunday school teacher, and sang in the choir. Emily was active in numerous civic organizations and had a beloved circle of friends. Her true love was Harold, her husband of 62 years. Her joy was raising their family and being together with their children and grandchildren.

She will be remembered for her generosity, her gratitude, her laughter, her storytelling, her willingness to help with any need, and her steadfast devotion to family and community.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her brother John McIllwain Dobson and brother-in-law John Earl Childress.

Emily is survived by her sons Watt Childress (Jennifer), Nehalem, Oregon; Larry Childress (Karen), Jonesborough; and daughter Beth Correll (Chad), Kingsport. She is also survived by grandchildren Willa (Miriam), Roan, Elliott, Susana, and Foster Childress, Carson (Grace), Hayden, and Spencer Correll.

Other survivors include sisters-in-law, Martha Childress Pierce and Carolyn Dobson, brother-in-law Bob Childress (Dawn), and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be held on Sunday March 9th at 5 pm at First Presbyterian Church; the family will receive friends following the service. A graveside service will be held on Monday March 10th at 10 am in Oak Hill Memorial Park.

The family would like to express their profound appreciation to Smoky Mountain Hospice, Preston Place Suites, and the many excellent caregivers who cared for Emily over the years. Each and every one helped her face the final challenges of post-polio syndrome. They not only did their jobs, they truly loved her. We cannot thank them enough.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 100 W Church Circle, Kingsport, TN 37660.