Deanthia Angela Childs-Wiggins

Dr. Deanthia Childs-Wiggins, 65, peacefully departed this earthly life on May 16, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends in Marietta. Born on February 21, 1961, in Clinton, she was the beloved daughter of the late Mr. Columbus D. Childs and Mrs. Sonja B. Childs.

From an early age, Deanthia demonstrated a remarkable intellect, determination, and compassion for others. She matriculated through the Newberry County School District and graduated from high school a year early, setting the stage for a lifetime dedicated to excellence and service. Her educational journey led her to attend University of South Carolina, Clemson University, and Tennessee State University, where she earned acceptance into the prestigious Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry. In May 1997, she proudly obtained her Doctorate in Dental Surgery.

Following dental school, Dr. Childs-Wiggins began her dental career in the United States Public Health Service Commissioned Corps as a Lieutenant. Upon fulfilling her Public Health Service commitment, she and her devoted husband, Dr. Kenneth Wiggins Jr., entered private practice, dedicating ten years to serving local communities and incarcerated individuals at Lima Correctional Institution, Allen Correctional Institution, and Oakwood Correctional Facility. Her servant’s heart also led her to volunteer dental services to the Native American community within the Native American population in Yakima, Washington.

Eager to be closer to family, Deanthia began laying the foundation for a new chapter in Georgia. In 2005, she and her family relocated to Georgia, where she and her husband established Roswell Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, Marietta Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, and Family First Dentistry of Atlanta. Passionate about lifelong learning, Dr. Childs-Wiggins continuously pursued advanced education in cutting-edge dental technologies and procedures. She achieved Diplomate status with the International Congress of Oral Implantologists and Mastership status with the International Dental Implant Association. Her additional training included straight wire orthodontics, endodontics, and laser dentistry.

Throughout her distinguished career, she held membership in the American Dental Association, the Georgia Dental Association, the Northwest Georgia Dental Society, the Northwest Georgia Dental Study Club and a lifetime membership with the Meharry Alumni Association. Dr. Deanthia also served on several community boards, taught hygiene students, and volunteered her time and talents at homeless shelters and county schools.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Deanthia cherished life’s simple joys. She loved spending time with family and friends, planting flowers, cooking elaborate meals, and decorating with elegance and creativity. In her leisure time, she enjoyed sewing and knitting classes and took great pleasure in sharing her culinary creations with loved ones. She kept God first in her heart and treasured her family deeply. Another passion of hers was collecting art, from figurines to paintings, reflecting her appreciation for beauty and creativity. She will forever be remembered for her radiant spirit and larger-than-life laugh that could brighten any room.

Dr. Deanthia Childs-Wiggins leaves to cherish her loving memory: her devoted husband, Dr. Kenneth Wiggins Jr.; her sons, Reginald (Erin) Childs and Kenneth Wiggins III; her sisters, Deborah Childs, Denise (Anthony) Washington, and Hiawaetha (Stephen) Grady; her beloved grandchildren, Reginald Jr. and Nahlia Childs; her aunts, Chorcie Calhoun, Flossie Floyd, and Gloria Childs; her uncle, Marcus Childs; her nieces and nephews, Cliffton (Tina) Childs, Jacinda (Aaron) White, Candace Childs, Kendra Childs, Alexander Washington, Skylah Childs, and Kamya Childs; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, colleagues, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Mr. Columbus Childs and Mrs. Sonja Childs; her sister, Delilah Childs; and her brother, Douglas Childs.

Though she has transitioned to her eternal resting place, Dr. Deanthia Childs-Wiggins leaves behind a legacy of faith, excellence, compassion, and unwavering love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.