Caroline Devolia Childs

Caroline Devolia Childs, of Caroline County in Bowling Green, Virginia peacefully departed this life on September 18, 2026, at the age of 85, at home in Laurel, Maryland.

Caroline was born on May 20, 1941, to the late Annie Pearl Taylor and Cleveland Augustus Childs. Caroline was baptized at an early age and was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church for years. Caroline attended Union High School of Bowling Green, VA.  Caroline united in holy matrimony to the late Floyd Shepherd of Bowling Green, VA on November 16, 1958. She moved to Washington, D.C. in 1969. Caroline was a Government Social Worker and retired as a Special Ed School Teacher, she was an active member of Isle of Patmos Baptist Church and then All Nations Baptist Church. Throughout her life she would go to her hometown church Bethel Baptist Church, on occasions while visiting her hometown to visit her daughter "Betty", sisters, family and friends. Caroline was a devoted active member of New Dawn Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. Larry Snead. She loved Bible Study, singing in the choir and participating in fundraising or where ever needed until her health declined this year. She loved cooking for the Family dinner get togethers, holiday feast, and Sunday breakfast for church on certain Sunday mornings of the month. 

Caroline made her home in Laurel, Maryland, in Prince George's County, Maryland, where she built cherished memories with family, friends, and loved ones. Caroline was a devoted matriarch, she poured boundless love into every generation of her family, but she held a uniquely tender place in her heart for her great-grandson, RuRu. The beautiful connection they shared was a testament to her gentle spirit and enduring warmth. Seeing the world through RuRu's eyes brought her a profound, youthful happiness, creating a lasting legacy of love that his family will cherish and share with him always. 

Caroline was preceded in death by Robert Stubbs her former husband, her daughter, sisters and brothers - Valerie Alexander (daughter) of Accokeek, Maryland, Thelma Riley, Evelyn Taylor, Gladys Arnold, Shirley Latney, James "Puddin" Childs, Williams Childs Sr., and Mac Arthur Childs. 

She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Celia Shepherd Shannon (Basim Tony Shannon) of Laurel, MD, Baron C. Shepherd (Vince Morris) of Bowling Green, VA, and Wresby A. Sinclair of Laurel, Maryland. 

She is also lovingly remembered by her sibling: Delores Ann Smith of Bowling Green, VA, Sister-In-Law Emma  Childs, her long time devoted friend Floyd Kates, nieces, nephews and a host of family and friends. Along with special Longtime Friends - Ora Peyton, Brenda Walker, and Jean Bundy

Caroline's legacy continues through her grandchildren: Bernard, Brian, Tanisha, Emmanuel "Gene", Ciarra, Nile, Khajilah, Deangelo, Britney (Naraldo Hunter Sr.), Lloyd, Khalan, Khali, Damonte, Tavasha, Tonia Sr., and Naseer. She was also blessed with many great-grandchildren, who called her "Big Momma" Justin, Kyira, Esme, Janea, Daya, Aziya, Naraldo Jr., Narijah, Navelle, Navarie, Willo (bonus Great-Grandchild), Darrell "RuRu", Demetri, Nasihah,, Tonio Jr., Kyrie, Tamari, Taviyon, and Khaleyse. 

Caroline will be remembered for the love she shared with her family and for the memories she created throughout her life. Her presence will be deeply missed, but her love and legacy will continue through the generations she leaves behind. May she rest peacefully and forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her.