Mrs. Mary Frances Champion

“A Matriarch That Blessed Her Whole Family” Mary Frances Champion was born March 22, 1937, to the late Jessie Nicks and Jennie Mae Lee in Starkville, Mississippi. At an early age Mary made her way to Saginaw, Michigan where her grandmother Eliza Haines and uncle Jessie Haines helped to raise her. The Haines & Tate families played a pivotal role in her young life. George Champion (deceased) & Mary cherished their children and would do anything to make sure Valerie, Deborah, Kenneth, Michael, Jeanette, and Cassandra Champion had what they needed and were happy. Mary had such a big heart & would open her home for everyone. She was the epitome of “if you see a need, you meet the need”. In 1986 her grand now daughter Latrice (Acy) Thomas was in need and Mary met it by becoming her legal guardian while also maintaining a relationship with her mom Gwendolyn Dozier. Mary paved the way for her children & grandchildren. Her work ethic alone was top tier. After working 3rd shift for 24 years Mary retired from Eaton Manufacturing. Mary shared a special relationship with her siblings, Harold, Elliot, and Frederick (Rhonda) Lee. She made a promise to her mother that Harold would be ok. Jennie Mae, promise fulfilled! If you knew Mae Frances, then you knew how she loved to play bingo. You may even remember her card clubs with the late Mary Tyler, Ann Taylor & Callie Simmons playing whist! Maybe you really remember way back to the blues she played, the white label she drank, the Winston light 100’s and don’t forget the coca cola! Those were the memories that are sure to make you smile. To the Haines, Murry’s, Champion’s, Lee’s, Scarborough’s, Margie Noel, Celie Fleming, Kevin Champion, Alma Mitchell (sister-in-law), Larry Champion (brother-in-law) and so many other, nieces, nephews, cousins, family & friends to name, you all were a part of her village! Mary seen generations of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. What an honor! Our Heavenly Matriarch, you will be greatly missed by your grandchildren: Tremayne Champion (Tamikka Lewis), Marcus (Laqueatia) Hunt, Jasmine Walters, Monica Farrington, Keydriarra Champion, Kia Champion, Keyonie Champion & Cedric Highshaw. Your loving great-grandchildren: Shania Lewis, Rion Champion, Eric Jones Jr., Ja’Von Thomas, A’Cyah Thomas, Alece Hunt, J’Kiiah Buchanan, Jonathan Buchanan, Ma’Leah Bullock, and Qayvon Green. Your precious great-great grandchildren: Kai’Lani Jones and J’Leeah Trigger We’ll see you again! Our hearts were not ready but waiting to welcome Mary with open arms was her mom Jennie Mae Lee, dad Jessie Nicks, sister Paula Susan Lee, brother Henry “Tubo” Nash, great grandson Quincy Jones, uncles James, Billy & Thomas Haines, aunt Helen Tate, son in love James Farrington, and her forever friends Charlene Taylor, Loretta Jones, & Shirly Alexander. Thank you to those of you who checked and loved on our matriarch. Special thanks to Celestine “Tiny” Washington and the Hospice Care Team for lovingly caring for her. Thank you, Administrative Assistant Christopher V. Pryor, and Victorious Believers Ministries. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Pastor Christopher V. Pryor will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 S. Washington, Saginaw, MI 48601. Visitation will take place from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.

Mrs. Mary Frances Champion

March 22, 1937 - November 5, 2024