Joyce Ann Champion

JOYCE ANN CHAMPION ASHEVILLE - Joyce Ann Champion, age 63, passed away on Monday, June 8, 2015. She battled an extended illness since 2012 and was called home to be with the Lord. Joyce is the wife of Thomas P. Champion, Jr., of Brownsville, TX, and the daughter of Claude & Virginia Justice of Asheville, NC. Joyce and her husband, Tom, split their time for 26 years between the beautiful mountains of Asheville and the valleys of South Texas in Rancho Viejo, TX. Joyce grew up in Barnardsville, NC where she graduated from North Buncombe High School. Professionally, Joyce worked for Sears in Asheville over 10 years and then became Director of Human Resources for an international company, Trico, in both Brownsville TX and Matamoros, Mexico. After 20 plus years working for corporations, Joyce and Tom started their own bus charter business, Champion Tours, where she served as President. In addition to her professional life, Joyce was involved with the Methodist church both in Brownsville, TX and Weaverville. Joyce also dedicated much of her life to philanthropy serving on the Board of Directors for United Way in Brownsville, TX. Joyce's favorite charity was St. Jude's Children's Hospital, of which she was a regular contributor. Surviving in addition to her husband and parents, are children and beloved grandchildren: her daughters, Tracy Kindley Linton, 45, formerly of Asheville, now lives in Raleigh with her three children, Abigale, Spencer and Webb; Kim Champion and her daughter Miranda, of Corpus Christi, TX; Melissa Altamirano, her husband Al, and their children, Ryan, Mia and Joaquin of Waco, TX; son, Thomas P. Champion III, his wife Robyn, and children Alyssa, Shayna and Thomas P. Champion IV also of Corpus Christi, TX. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Danny Gasperson, Jr. and Mr. Bob Embler officiating. Burial will be in Sky View Memorial Park. Pallbearers for the deceased are Thomas P. Champion, III of Corpus Christi, TX; Dr. Glen Head of Arroyo City, TX; Robert Champion of Austin, TX; Larry Esparza of San Antonio, TX; and Larry David and Loren Justice, both of Asheville. The family would also like to recognize the following Honorary Pallbearers: Luis Castro of Brownsville, TX; Johnny Champion of Rancho Viejo, TX; Ernie Parra of Webster, FL; Charles Anders of Barnardsville; W.C. Justice of Asheville; Lazaro Izaguirre of Sugarland, TX; Roland Flores of Mountainside, NJ; Ubaldo Barreda of Roland Heights, CA; Dr. Oscar Guerra of Hartsburg, MO; and Al Altamirano of Waco, TX. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider a charity of choice. For those who desire, condolences may be offered to the family under Joyce's obituary at www.WestFamilyFuneralServices.com. Her funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, June 11, 2015, in the Chapel of West Funeral Home, 17 Merrimon Ave., Weaverville, with Reverend Danny Gasperson, Jr. and Mr. Bob Embler officiating. Burial will be in Sky View Memorial Park. Pallbearers for the deceased are Thomas P. Champion, III of Corpus Christi, TX; Dr. Glen Head of Arroyo City, TX; Robert Champion of Austin, TX; Larry Esparza of San Antonio, TX; and Larry David and Loren Justice, both of Asheville. The family would also like to recognize the following Honorary Pallbearers: Luis Castro of Brownsville, TX; Johnny Champion of Rancho Viejo, TX; Ernie Parra of Webster, FL; Charles Anders of Barnardsville; W.C. Justice of Asheville; Lazaro Izaguirre of Sugarland, TX; Roland Flores of Mountainside, NJ; Ubaldo Barreda of Roland Heights, CA; Dr. Oscar Guerra of Hartsburg, MO; and Al Altamirano of Waco, TX. The family will receive friends 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Wednesday at the funeral home. Flowers are acceptable and appreciated. Those desiring to make a memorial contribution are encouraged to consider a charity of choice.