Carmen Josephine Champion

Jan. 29, 1920 - Jan. 28, 2016

Carmen Josephine Champion passed away on Jan. 28, 2016 in Hughson at the age of 95.

A service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at First Baptist Church, 2735 Fifth St., Ceres. Interment will follow at Ceres Memorial Park, 1801 E. Whitmore, Ceres.

Carmen is survived by her husband, Billy Ray Champion; her four children, Janice Faye Davis, Barry Keith Bridges, Terry Craig Bridges and Jonathon Bart Stover; and her eight grandchildren, Noah Rhett Davis, Randall Kyle Davis, Gary Allen Bridges, Beau Pennington, Dustin Brett Bridges, Christopher Nathan Bridges, Carmen Michelle Ram, Brandon Douglas Stover including 26 great-grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

Carmen is preceded in death by mother Florence Ann Neal Loyd, father Eugene Thomas Loyd, sons Gary Odell Bridges and Anthony Brett Hollingsworth, sisters Nora Gladys Balding, Alma, Cordelia Ward, Ima Jean Ruth Stewart, brothers Uel Lucas Loyd, Elmer Lee Lloyd and Homer Otell "Jack" Loyd.

Carmen lived life with a graceful and joyful zest. Although she was externally beautiful it was her incredible internal strength and peaceful soul that endeared her to so many. She was a loving and kind woman yet somewhat of a spitfire who was never timid or weak. Her most prized treasures were her five children who she raised with unconditional love, consistent expectations and a lot of humor.

In lieu of flowers, please feel free to donate to Alexander Cohen Hospice House.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Franklin & Downs Funeral Home, Ceres Chapel.

-Ceres (Calif.) Courier
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2016