Ernestine H. Champion

Ernestine Hooker Champion, age 86, died Tuesday, September 21, 2010. Graveside services will be held on Friday, September 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM with Dr. David Hunter officiating. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Thursday evening from 7:00-8:00 PM. The family asks that memorial contributions be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, 6611 Zebulon Rd., Macon, GA 31220 or to Evercare Hospice, 4875 Riverside Dr., Ste. 104, Macon, GA 31210.

Mrs. Champion was born in Macon to the late Ernest O. and Sadie Daniel Hooker. A graduate of Miller High School, she attended Mercer University and received a Bachelor of Religious Education degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

A faithful, dedicated member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, she served in numerous capacities, among them as Sunday school teacher, W.M.U. Director, Day Camp Director and Elementary Education Director. She was devoted to children and youth and spent many hours counseling needy people. She was a kind-hearted lady who loved her church, her family and her country.

She resided for ten years in Southern California ministering as Education Director in three Southern Baptist churches. In 1985 she retired from the Probate Court of Bibb County. Mrs. Champion was preceded in death by her husbands, John B. Champion, Sr., W. Jerry Altman and a sister, Fay H. Crutchfield.

Survivors include her sisters, Martha H. Holloway of Warner Robins, Sara H. Braswell (Edward M.) of Macon; a brother-in-law, Murray Crutchfield of Macon; seven nieces and four nephews; six step-children, Jeffery Champion of Thomaston, John Champion, Jr. of Remington, VA, Margaret Teal of Thomaston, Gladys Holley of Perry, Gayleen Middleton of Macon and W. Jay Altman of Jacksonville, FL.

Please visit www.maconmp.com to express condolences.

Macon Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery is in charge of the arrangements