Edith S. Champion

Edith Virginia Smith Champion, age 98, went to be with the Lord on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014. A funeral service will be held Saturday at 10:30 am, followed by a reception in Fellowship Hall, Crestview United Methodist Church.

Born on Independence Day, July 4, 1915, in Cedar Creek, Texas, to Hiram Clinton and Sophia Smith. After graduating from Bastrop High School at the age of 15, she attended Texas A & I University in Kingsville, TX for several years then went back in later years to complete her education obtaining her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1952. She later attended the University of Texas receiving a Masters in Education in 1961. In 1936, she married Raymond W. Champion and had two children, a daughter, Carolyn and a son, Robert.

She lived in Cedar Creek, Santa Monica, CA, Denver, CO, Robstown, TX, Smithville, TX and, of course, Austin to name a few. While in California, she worked for McDonnell Douglas during W.W. II. Edith was a teacher through and through. She was a principal in Smithville, for a brief period but her love of the children drew her back to the classroom. She finished her successful career in teaching in Austin at Travis Heights, retiring in 1974.

Oh was she a traveler. She traveled all over Europe, the U.S. and Mexico. Edith was a member of International Good Neighbors and Delta Kappa Gama. She played bridge at the Triple F Bridge Club and also with many of her close friends. Edith was a long-time member of Crestview United Methodist Church and was involved with Thursday Fellowship, her Sunday School Class and the Ladies Circle. Edith will be especially remembered for her love and acceptance of every person she met. You felt like you were her best friend.

Edith was preceded in death by her son, Robert Champion; parents, Hiram and Sophia Smith; her brother, Noel Smith and her sister, Mildred Smith Hollan. Survivors include her daughter, Carolyn Gustafson and husband, Robert of Austin, her brothers, Doug Smith and wife, Florence of Rockdale, TX, and Dan Smith of Mesa, AZ. Her grandchildren: Carrie Sutphen and husband, Jim of Tulsa, OK, Linda Steele and husband, John of Midland, TX, William Psencik and wife, Deborah of Euless, TX, Nancy Psencik of Dallas, TX, Sally McNeil and husband, Gary of The Netherlands, Richard Psencik and wife, Lisa of Austin, TX, Steve Champion and wife, Kera of Katy, TX and Robert Bryan Champion of La Porte, TX. Edith had eight great-grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews and other extended family members.