Muriel Evelyn Champion Burleson, 103, of Ladonia, Texas, went to her heavenly home on Tuesday, December 12, 2017. She was born on September 14, 1914 to Auby Wilbur and Sarah Eveline Champion.
Mrs. Burleson was preceded in death by her husband, John Irvin Burleson; parents, Auby Wilbur Champion and Sarah Eveline Christian Champion; brother, Clois Auby “Champ” Champion; brother, Theron Delmar Champion, who died in infancy; nephew, Gene Champion; and great-grandson, Caleb Josiah Kennedy.
She is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Gayle Kennedy, and son-n-law, Jack Kennedy, of Hattiesburg, MS; six grandchildren, Ruth Ann Kennedy of Hattiesburg, Drew (Heather) Kennedy of Colorado Springs, CO, Karen Kennedy of Phoenix, AZ, Carolyn Kennedy of Hattiesburg, Daniel (Jill) Kennedy of Mobile, AL, and Sarah (Victor) McHenry of Asheville, NC; six great-grandchildren, Harper and Josie Kennedy, Isaac and Luke Kennedy, Millie and Finn McHenry; and niece, Phyllis Hall of Grand Island, NY.
Mrs. Burleson taught elementary school for 36 years. As she always loved to say about her students, “I always got the good ones”, a testament to the love she gave her students and how much they adored her. She was also very committed and invested in her church and community.
She was loved and adored by so, so many as she always made each person feel special and gave love so graciously to all those around her.
She was a light full of warmth who embraced everyone in her life, a woman full of strength and resilience with a generous heart, a kind spirit with such a wonderful sense of humor who could always bring a smile and lots of laughter to any room. She truly lived a dedicated life spent making a positive impact.
Services will be held at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Ladonia, Texas, on Sunday, December 17. Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Ladonia Cemetery. Coker-Mathews Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.