Alana Champion Chavez

Alana Champion Chavez was born in St. Louis, Missouri on April 11, 1954 to Johnnie Lee and Aurelia Elestine Champion. She was the fourth child of 2 brothers and 5 sisters. Her parents and eldest brother preceded her in death. After tenaciously enduring a serious illness, she died on Thursday, February 23, 2017.

Alana excelled academically and graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis in 1972 and received a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting at the University of Southern California in 1976.

Alana dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized on July 14, 1979 at the “Living Hope” District Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses at the Checkerdome in St. Louis. She looked forward to living on a Paradise earth where sickness and death would be no more--“new heavens and a new earth” 2 Peter 3:13. She spent many hours generously discussing her faith with others. After becoming a regular pioneer, she moved to serve where there was a greater need in Cedartown, Georgia. To this day, this example remains very encouraging to many others.

It was in Georgia where she met, Sergio Chavez and they became husband and wife on July 13, 1997.

Alana loved Jehovah God, His son Jesus Christ, family and work. She enjoyed music, reading, movies and plays. She wanted the best for her family and displayed this love in many different ways. For example, at her sickest, she was concerned about family and didn't want us to mourn her loss, be sad or cry. We could not carry out that wish.

Her most recent employment was with the Federal Government as a Public Affairs Specialist for Disaster relief. She worked there for the last 20 years. Her contributions to this work are said to be “immeasurable” and that she will be “ deeply missed”.

Her family agrees, Alana will be deeply missed.

Alana’s Family

Affectionately named “Alnie” and “ Auntie Alnie”

Husband: Sergio

Parents: Johnnie and Aurelia Champion (deceased)

Mother-in-Law: Irma Ramirez

Brothers: Gerald (deceased), John Ralph (Kim)

Sisters: Muriel (Alex), Carol (John Derek), Laura "Lotie", Jewell (Marvin) and Janis

Nieces and Nephews: Kenya (deceased), Tannya, Derek Jr. (Bikira), Andre, Lamon (Tammy), Tiffane, Terrance, Tiffany, Michael, Kristie (Freddie Jr.), Christian, Courtney, Reginald, Derrell, Drew, Cia, Caitlyn, Stuart, Maria, Filipe, Javier and Anwar (deceased)

Great Nieces and Nephews: Kenisha, Akelia, Nia, Cavon, Cyra, Cornelius, Trelle, Camara, Nala, Alaysha, Camille, Camryn, Cayla, Justice, Mecca, Freedom, Freddie III, Kienen, Kaleel, “Lil” Mikey, Jerimiah, Tru, Cynsere

About Alnie Our Sister

Muriel: Alana, my dear sister, confidant and companion. I will miss her terribly, but I know that this will be temporary. l know that with all that we have experienced together, this is not all there is. We will create a whole new set of joyous experiences in the Paradise on earth.

Carol: My sister Alana was a treasure and a gift to us all! It feels as though we have lost a piece of us right now, but her loving spirit will always be a part of each of us eternally. Her persona of “excellence” will be remembered as a part of her legacy to her family and especially to the young ones to aspire for the best in life! Though I will miss her dearly, we are made stronger each time we think of her and the wonderful memories will always be present in our hearts.

My sweet sister Alana, a treasure and a gift to me. It feels as though I have lost a piece of me. I will miss her dearly and I am made stronger each time I think of her. Thank you for being a shining light in my life. I remain her unofficial twin.

Lotie: No words can express the love I have for her. She taught us how to be strong, she was a fighter and taught us how to fight. She fought a good fight and will be truly missed, truly a Champion. I will see you again.

Ralph: I had the best time in my life these last 3 months. I got to tell her I Ioved her and kissed her every time I saw her. I took care of what she wanted and did what she asked and told me to do. I feel good about that, but I can't say what I want to say in a few words, so just ask me.

Jewell: If one could be compassionate, sensitive, loving, resilient, tough and no non-sense, all at the same time-- that would be Alnie. She taught me many life lessons that have helped to this day. Towards the end, I wanted to tell her that it was okay to just let go, but I couldn't and I think I knew that she wouldn't. She was just like that.

Janis: My sister, the sweetest thing, I will carry her love with me always and remember the joy she has given me and my children.