Chloe Childress, 18, of Houston, Texas, passed away on July 4, 2025, while serving as a counselor at Camp Mystic in Hunt, Texas. She died doing what she loved most—mentoring and caring for young girls at the place that shaped her spirit and ignited her lifelong passion for service.
In her tenth year at Mystic, Chloe was not only a counselor but a hero to many, embodying strength, joy, and boundless compassion. Born to Wendie Seale Childress and Matthew Benton Childress, and the cherished sister of John “Jack” Oxford Childress, Chloe brought radiant light into the lives of all who knew her.
She was a daughter, a sister, a mentor, and a friend whose soul overflowed with faith, kindness, and grace. Her joy was infectious, her laughter unmistakable, and her energy endless.
Chloe was a recent graduate of The Kinkaid School, where she stood out as a brilliant student, respected leader, and compassionate peer. She served as Co-President of the Honor Council, exemplifying her steadfast integrity and commitment to academic excellence.
A talented athlete, Chloe ran varsity cross country, cheered, played lacrosse, and tennis, all while mentoring younger students as a senior guide. Her initiative and heart were perhaps best captured in the founding of the Love Our Senior Citizens Club, which fostered intergenerational connection and compassion.
Her leadership extended across numerous extracurriculars, including the Student Wellbeing Advisory Board, Model United Nations, One Love Club, Psychology Club, and Kinkaid Young Life.
She was an active member of the National Chinese Honor Society, participated in the Leadership Honors Program, and was recognized through the Visual and Performing Arts Honors Program in Photography.
Chloe’s creative talent earned her multiple Scholastic Arts and Writing Awards, revealing another facet of her multifaceted brilliance. Outside of the classroom, Chloe’s artistic and musical passions thrived.
Whether she was penning original lyrics, playing the guitar she taught herself, or dancing to her favorite singer-songwriters at concerts, Chloe’s love for music was a language of joy she shared with everyone.
She loved binge-watching shows with her father and unpacking their stories in long, meaningful conversations. Just weeks before her passing, she explored Europe with friends, collecting new memories and marveling at the world’s wonders with wide-eyed excitement.
Chloe’s heart for others could be seen in her extensive volunteer work with organizations like The Brookwood Community, Houston Food Bank, Memorial Park Conservancy, and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
Her interest in medicine led her to shadow neurosurgeons and attend Vanderbilt Summer Academy. She was eagerly anticipating her freshman year at the University of Texas at Austin as a fourth-generation Longhorn, where she planned to study pre-med and follow her dream of becoming a doctor.
She looked forward to moving into Hardin House, joining a sorority, and forming new friendships, much like her mother before her. But perhaps nowhere was Chloe’s spirit more alive than at Camp Mystic.
A fourth-generation camper, M Girl, True Tonk Cheerleader, and war canoe leader, Chloe spent every summer from third to twelfth grade immersed in its traditions. Her return as a counselor this year was filled with joy and purpose.
She poured love into every camper, led with empathy and strength, and reminded others—through her honesty and optimism—to show up fully and love deeply.
Chloe is survived by her loving parents Wendie and Matthew Childress, brother Jack, grandparents Joan and James Seale and Cile and Chuck Childress, uncle Deryl Seale and wife Allison Steiner, aunt Blake Kunetka and husband Keith, uncle Cullen Childress and wife Lesley, and eight beloved cousins: Will, Caroline, George, and Lucie Kunetka; Carlisle and Beth Anne Childress; and Royal and Tessa Seale. She also leaves behind her cherished comfort pup, Rowan.
A Celebration of Life honoring Chloe will be held Saturday, July 12 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s United Methodist Church, 3471 Westheimer Road. A reception will follow at a location to be announced during the service. For those unable to attend, a livestream will be available. Messages of remembrance may be shared by selecting “Add a Memory” on the service page.
Though her time on Earth was brief, Chloe’s radiant legacy will shine forever in the hearts she touched. Her life was a gift, her spirit unforgettable, and her love everlasting.
