Gladys Champion

Mrs. Gladys Bland Champion, 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 28, 2009, at White Oak Manor, Shelby.  She was born on August 25, 1919, in Rutherford County to the late Rucker and Minerva Cantrell Bland.  

Gladys and her late husband owned and operated Champion Grocery in Shelby for many years. After they sold their business, she worked at Belks Department Store in sales.  She was a member of Poplar Springs Baptist Church and enjoyed Bible study and trips with her church friends.  She also enjoyed cooking, gardening, and crocheting, but most of all spending time with her family. She was a good person and always helped others.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband W. H. Champion, son: Jon Michael Champion and two brothers and three sisters.

Gladys is survived by her daughters:  Sue Champion Camp and husband Charles of Shelby and Joy Champion Ramsey and husband Bob of Candler, and daughter-in-law:  Elaine Champion of Shelby.  Her sister, Patti Sue Turner of Spartanburg, SC. Grandchildren:  Chip Camp and wife Amber, Robin Wright, Chris Champion, Rebecca Johnson and husband Lee, Rick Ramsey and wife Linda, Angela Ramsey, Jan Brick and husband Hilton, Scott Ramsey and wife Tonda, and John Ramsey, and eighteen great grandchildren. 

Mrs. Champion will lie in state at the Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home from 10 am till 12:00 noon. Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday at 3:00 pm in the Chapel of Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home with the Rev. Norris Willis and the Rev. Clyde Buckner officiating.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 2:00-3:00 pm at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory.  Interment at  Sunset Cemetery.

The family will be at the home of Sue and Charles Camp, 101 Park Circle, Shelby.

Memorials:  Poplar Springs Baptist Church Senior Ministries, 1106 Poplar Springs Church Road, Shelby, NC  28152

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