Viola S. Champion

CYPRESS -  Viola S. Champion, 95, devoted mother, grandmother, great grandmother and respected community member, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2024, in Cypress, Texas. She was born on February 27, 1929, in McAllen, Texas, to Rosa C. Saenz and Jesus L. Saenz. Mrs. Champion is preceded in death by her parents; 4 sisters, Virginia S. Brooks, Dora S. Guerra, Connie S. Rutledge, and Gloria S. Medina. Her early years, spent during “The Great Depression”, formed her character and instilled in her a strong work ethic. This experience guided her to use a common no nonsense approach to life and to cherish and love her family and friends.

In 1947, she graduated from McAllen High School and continued her education by attending McAllen Business College. Viola spent 30 years in the banking industry, helping many families improve their lives. After she retired from banking, she worked for the RGV-Killer Bees, Hockey Organization and the Hidalgo County Elections Department. She was a member of the Texas Democratic Women, Hidalgo County Chapter and was also a volunteer at Cathey Middle School, and for McAllen AFT (American Federation of Teachers). Viola also was a committee member for her 50th and 60th McAllen High School Reunions.

Mrs. Champion was a fashion icon in McAllen, and loved Big Band and Mariachi music. She also loved traveling and going to the beach at South Padre Island. Viola also supported her grandchildren in their extracurricular activities (sports and dance performances).

Mrs. Champion is survived by her sister, Lucille S. Barrientes from San Antonio, Tx.; 3 children, Joyce (Lee E. Keyes) Champion from Cypress, Tx.; Torchie Champion from McAllen, Tx., and J.J. (Cynthia) Champion from San Antonio, Tx.; 4 grandchildren, Lena (Ronald) Langan from Cypress, Tx., Charles A. (Veronica) Longoria from Cypress, Tx., Matthew (Denise) Champion from Dallas, Tx. and Michelle (James) Pinedo from Houston, Tx.; 8 great grandchildren, Siena and Xander Longoria, Brody Langan, Gregory and Charlotte Champion, James III, Thomas, and Tatiana Pinedo; numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends. 

Visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. with a 7 p.m. rosary, Thursday, October 10, 2024, at Legacy Chapels 4610 South Jackson Road in Edinburg. Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Friday, October 11, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in McAllen. Interment will follow at Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Mission.

In addition, we would like to thank her wonderful caregivers, Felipa, Connie and Tere, as well as her medical team, Sara Harrison Guerrero and Lynn D. Allison for their compassion and dedication.

“We shall not look upon her like again” - William Shakespeare

Donations in her memory should be directed to Sea Turtles Inc. of South Padre Island

https://seaturtleinc.org/ https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=H22MD2GFWMDFS&source=url

Funeral services are under the direction of Legacy Chapels in Edinburg.