Thelma was born on May 19,1924 to Ruby and Fulton Fender of Lakeland, Georgia.
Mrs Champion was a life long resident of Brunswick, Ga and most recently resided in Jacksonville, Fl. to be closer to her children. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 68 years, William Edwin Champion, two sisters Agnes James and Wynelle Jones and brother Orbin Fender.
Thelma was a devoted mother of five children, William E. Champion Jr., Glenn Champion (Vicki) of Jacksonville, Fl., Richard Champion (Lana), of St. Johns, Fl., Shann Champion Cohrs (Matt) of Jacksonville and Rhonda Champion of Lawrenceville, Ga.
She has two grandchildren, Abby and Colton Champion and step-grandsons Bill McNeal (Katie), Steven McNeal (Melissa).
As a young woman, Thelma proudly served her country during WWII as a welder of military Liberty Ships in Brunswick, GA. Following the war, she was employed by Southern Bell as a Telephone Operator. After marrying Edwin Champion in 1946, both partnered as owner and operators of the local Champion Sundries in Brunswick. Thelma enjoyed sewing, gardening, country cooking, Bingo, Solitaire and was a big fan of the Georgia Bulldogs. Thelma, along with her family, are long-time members of Norwich Baptist Church in Brunswick.
The family will receive friends from 10 am to 11am at Norwich Baptist Church, (5661 New Jesup Hwy, Bwk Ga 31523) on Monday, July 9th, prior to the Funeral Service which begins at 11:00 am with Reverend Art Cyphers officiating. Interment will follow in Palmetto Cemetery with Bill Champion, Glenn Champion, Richard Champion, Colton Champion, Matt Cohrs and Johnny Stevens serving as pallbearers and an honorary pallbearer Thomas Carlos Champion Jr.
Special appreciation and thanks to the staffs at Starling Assisted Living at San Jose and Elmcroft Assisted Living for their loving care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Thelma Champion’s name to Norwich Baptist Church, Brunswick, Ga. or Community Hospice in Jacksonville, Fl. Edo Miller and Sons Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. www.edomillerandsons.com
