Tressie Mae Fennel Champion, 92, passed peacefully from this life on June 26, 2026, at John Knox Manor in Montgomery, Alabama.
Born on October 13, 1933, in the Pleasant Site community of Franklin County, Alabama, Tressie was the daughter of William Troy and Stella Fennel. She graduated from Phil Campbell High School in May 1951, then attended Larimore Business College in Florence, Alabama, finishing in March 1952. She spent most of her life in Russellville, where she built a home centered on faith, family, hard work, and love. During the last five years of her life, she lived in Montgomery, Alabama, where she attended Landmark Church of Christ for as long as her health permitted.
Tressie was first and foremost devoted to her family. She married William A. Champion on November 5, 1954, and the two of them subsequently had three children. She embraced the role of homemaker and mother with a servant’s heart, dedicating herself to caring for her children and creating a loving home. Once her youngest child entered school, she began a career with the Alabama Department of Human Resources, where she worked for many years as a clerical employee before retiring in 1995.
Those who knew Tressie will remember her gentle spirit, quiet strength, and unwavering faith. She was never one to seek attention for herself. Instead, she expressed her love through acts of service, thoughtful kindness, and a steadfast presence in the lives of those she loved. Whether preparing a family meal, offering a listening ear, or providing encouragement during difficult times, she demonstrated a love that was sincere, constant, and selfless.
Her faith in God guided her throughout her life. As a longtime member of North Highlands Church of Christ, she found strength and purpose in her Christian walk. Her example of faithful living continues to inspire the family she cherished so deeply.
Tressie was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, William Champion, her beloved daughter, Sheila Champion, her parents, William Troy and Stella Fennel; and her sisters, Willodean Thorne and Marie Porter.
She leaves behind a family who will forever treasure her memory: her sons, Michael Champion and wife Alisa of Montgomery, Alabama, and Keith Champion of Madison, Alabama; her granddaughters, Kathryn Ana and husband Eugen of Bucharest, Romania, and Stephanie Raney and husband Jared of Sterrett, Alabama; her grandson, Michael Champion, Jr., of New Albany, Indiana; four great-grandchildren; her sister, Verna Lou Fenn of Florence, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.
Though her family grieves her passing, they rejoice in a life well lived and in the hope of the resurrection promised through Christ. Her legacy lives on in the values she instilled, the faith she shared, and the love she gave so freely to others.
Visitation will be held at Pinkard Funeral Home in Russellville, Alabama, on Thursday, July 2, from 12:00 noon until 2:00 p.m., with funeral services following at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Trae Durden and Robin Phillips.
Pallbearers will be Michael Champion, Jr., Jared Raney, Phillip Thorne, Stanley Champion, Tony Champion, and Ben Phillips.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sonshiners at North Highlands Church of Christ (PO Drawer H, Russellville, Alabama, 35653).
Pinkard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
