Elaine K. Childers passed away on September 9, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Elaine was born on October 16, 1949, in Billings, Montana, to Henry Mitchell Sims and Edith Wynell (Harris) Sims. She grew up in Fort Smith, Arkansas, and later continued her education at the University of Arkansas.

Her career eventually led her to Tinker Air Force Base in Midwest City, Oklahoma, where she worked as an analyst. It was there that Elaine met James “Jim” Childers. At first, she was not particularly impressed. In fact, after their first date, Elaine was fairly certain there would not be a second. Fortunately, Jim managed to change her mind, and what began somewhat reluctantly grew into a loving and lasting marriage.

Elaine approached nearly everything she did with great care and attention to detail. She was meticulous by nature and often preferred to handle projects herself, particularly painting and wallpapering, because she knew exactly how she wanted things done — and, in Elaine’s estimation, someone else would probably just do it wrong.

Travel became one of the great joys Elaine and Jim shared together. Over the years, they made their way throughout the United States, eventually visiting all fifty states twice. One of their more recent adventures took them to Alaska.

Her Christian faith was also an important part of her life. Elaine loved studying the Bible and continually sought to deepen her understanding of Scripture.

Elaine deeply loved Jim and embraced his family as her own. She treasured the life they built together and the many experiences they shared along the way.

Elaine was preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Edith Sims, and her daughter, Ginger Lopez.

She is survived by her husband, James “Jim” Childers; her step-sons, Erron Davison and Bill Davison and daughter-inlaw Christy; seven grandchildren, including Aidan, Blake, and Conner Lopez, Madie Devera, Levi, and Isaac Davison and Jacob Davison; three great-grandchildren; three sisters; one brother; and numerous nieces and nephews and cousins. Elaine is also survived by Jim’s siblings and their spouses, Sandra and Larry Birdwell, Jama and Charles Prucha, Debbie and Robbie Wright, and Richard and Pat Childers, all of whom she embraced as family.

Her life will be remembered for faith, determination, meticulous care, a love of travel, and most especially for the love she shared with Jim and their family.

Elaine will be inurned at Fort Gibson National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life service will be held at Sharon Baptist Church, 19002 S Gordon Cooper Drive, Shawnee OK on Saturday Sep 26 at 11:00 with a reception to follow. If staying for the reception please bring a small dish or dessert.

The family would like to thank Jody Greene and Bixby South Tulsa Funeral Service, and Clint Dawkins and Sharon Baptist Church, for their kind and compassionate care.