Eva E. Mott Childress, 96, of Cape Girardeau died Thursday, July 24, 2008, at Monticello House in Jackson.

She was born Feb. 3, 1912, at Morley, Mo., daughter of Alonzo and Mary R. Kernell Mott. She married Jessie C. "Fod-Rod" Childress, who died in 1992.

Formerly of Cairo, Ill., Childress was a licensed corsetiere at Gibson Corset Shop in Cairo. She had also worked at Mildred Gates Shop in Cairo. She received her private pilot's license in 1943.

She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Cape Girardeau, Cairo Pilots Club, Professional Women's Club, and Eastern Star.

Survivors include a daughter, Janet James and husband Joe D. of Cape Girardeau; a granddaughter, Tracie Henry and husband Jim of Millersville; a grandson, Bill Watkins and wife Jennifer of Eagan, Minn.; a great-grandson, Neal Lange of Jackson; nephews and great-nieces.

She was preceded in death by a brother and a sister.

A graveside service was held at 1 p.m. Friday at Green Lawn Memorial Gardens in Villa Ridge, Ill., with the Rev. Larry Potts officiating.

Lorberg Memorial Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Donations may be made to Fellowship Baptist Church or the charity of your choice.