Barbara Alice Champagne

Barbara Alice Champagne, born November 18, 1948 in Houston, TX passed away September 24, 2013 in Dickinson TX. She is preceded in death by her husband of 48 years, Jarel Joseph Champagne Sr.; parents, Mildred Mary Hale and Claude Bethel Hale Sr.; brother, John Douglas “J.D.” Kimmey; mother and father in law, Aurthur and Catherine Brenner. She will be greatly missed by her sons, Jeral Joseph Champagne Jr. and wife Jana, Thomas Claude Champagne and wife Cindy; daughter, Veronica Marie Saxon and husband Scott; grandchildren, Kawehi Murray, Brooks Saxon, Grace Wiley, Bryce Collins, Wayne Miller and Blake Miller; sister, Mildred Claudean Baty, brother, Claude Bethel “C.B.” Hale Jr. and wife Betsy; two great grandchildren and numerous niece, nephews and extended family.

Barbara or Mom as she was referred to by many was born in Houston, Texas where she lived the majority of her life. She was born the third of four children. She was only 12 years old when she met her soul mate and they married when she was 15. Shortly after they were married her husband, joined the Navy. After the birth of their first child, Jerry, they moved to California where Jarel was stationed. During Jarel’s Vietnam tour she moved back home to Houston to be with family and after leaving the Navy he joined her. Within a couple of years they celebrated the birth of their second son, Thomas and later their daughter, Veronica.

When someone refers to Barbara they must mention Jarel. The two of them were inseparable and you rarely saw one without the other. Together they raised their children in and around the Houston area. Porter, Oak Ridge, The Woodlands, Hitchcock are some of the places they called home.

As their children grew into teenagers their friends often referred to Barbara as Mrs C. This is because their home was always open and Mrs. C. never met a stranger. She enjoyed having a house full of kids and always had a meal cooked. Mrs. C. had a way of making each child feel as though they were the special one and she was often adopted as a second mom.

Some of her most cherished memories were their trips to Louisiana for Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras was their special trip and every year they would spend a week celebrating. They always wanted to share this time with their friends. They introduced many people to Mardi Gras. As soon as they returned home from their trip they would begin the plans for the following year. They made memories not only attending the parades but riding on the float and throwing beads. Mardi Gras was their thing.

Then came the grandchildren. Each grandchild has their own special place in her heart and again she made each of them feel as though they were her favorite. Truth is, she did not have a favorite….she loved them all.

She was always giving to others and asked for nothing in return. Barbara was an independent, strong willed, determined lady. She touched the lives of many, many people and with each one she made the world a better place. After losing her soul mate 11 years ago, she continued to live but never seemed complete. On September 24, 2013 she was reunited with him as she entered the gates of heaven.