Rita G. "Neely" Childers, age 89, of Forest City

Rita G. "Neely" Childers, age 89, of Forest City, died Friday, January 3, 2025.

A native of Rutherford County, she was a daughter of the late Carthul J. Goode, and Mary Etta Henderson Goode. Neely was a 1953 graduate of Tri-High School, dedicated to the Methodist faith, and was retired from the Rutherford Hospital.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Billie W. Childers; and her son, William "Chili" Childers.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughter, Abbe C. Byers (P.J.), of Forest City; sister, Trina G. Hoyle, of Myrtle Beach, SC; four grandchildren, Christopher Byers (Cassie), Cameron Byers (Sarah), all of Forest City, Dallas Childers, of Newton, and Christian C. Brotherton (Seth), of Conover; five great-grandchildren, Jackson, Jillian, and Jeryn Byers, and Memphis and Merit Byers, all of Forest City; daughter-in-law, Julia Lee Childers, of Newton; and several nieces and nephews.

The memorial service was held January 10 in Harrelson Funeral Chapel with Rev. Roy Byers officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Caroleen Methodist Church, PO Box 187, Caroleen, NC 28019.

An online guest registry is available at www.harrelsonfuneralhome.com.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.