Irene Kennedy Champion

At her time of death, she was surrounded by her children, Russell and Janice Champion, Barbara Champion (Carl) Purpura, Sheila Champion, Dr. Wanda Champion Logan, two of her eleven grandchildren, Rusty (Hailey) Champion, Davida Wright (Mitchell) Williams and her sister, Sue Kennedy Champion Flint. Irene was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years Robert Houston Champion and son, Todd Champion. In addition to her sister and her children, Maw Maw leaves behind a total of 11 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. She leaves behind a host of relatives, her church family, and friends.

Sister Champion was a faithful member of Georgetown Assembly of God for 53 years. She regularly attended church and drove the church van where she picked up several ladies in her earlier years as a church member. She could be seen daily reading her bible and did so until God called her home.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Rusty (Hailey) Champion, Chad (Jill) Champion, Brandon Champion, Bret (Cristin) Faircloth, Josh (Allison) Logan and longtime family friend Bobby (Lindsey) Tyler.

Today is the day we were all convinced we would never see; Irene Kennedy Champion walked through Heaven's door and is now dancing in the presence of our Lord. She was the matriarch of our family who raised all 5 of her children and had a hand in raising her grandchildren. At a very young age she also raised her younger brother Orbie Lee and her infant sister Sue when their mother died days after giving birth.

Maw Maw (as she was known by all) loved the outdoors and was an avid flower gardener. She made a mean pot of homemade chicken and dumplings, drove all over the US as a co-driver with Paw Paw, maintained the 5 acres (Paw Paw referred to as Scramble Egg Junction) riding her zero turn lawn mower or Kubota tractor. Just this past summer Maw Maw insisted on getting on her lawn mower to show just exactly how she wanted her grass cut. She could do it all and did so until recently. She hosted a quilting circle for years making and assisting other women in making quilts in a variety of patterns. She was a self taught seamstress where she could make anything many times without using a pattern.

Some people in life give you DNA that makes you stronger and more able than you ever knew was possible. This was Maw Maw. The memories, those moments that come back to you of special times serve as a link to Maw Maw and Paw Paw. Family that will forever be bonded by these memories. While the pain can't be lessened, hopefully it can be a testament to all that one can be thankful for and that is inherent in what makes the Champion family so amazing and filled with memories and moments.

Now our sweet precious Mother, go rest high on that mountain your work here on earth is done. Till we meet again....