Emily Cleckler Champion, age 86, a native of Thorsby and resident of Fairhope, passed away Sunday, Oct. 23, 2011, at home surrounded by her family.

She was a member of South River Park Church of God and was one of the founding residents of the South River Park Community.

Mrs. Champion is survived by her two daughters, Brenda C. (Tom) Burkett of Fairhope and Denise C. (Richard) Rogers of Norton Shores, Mich.; son, Richard W. (Daquiri) Champion of Niceville, Fla.; nine grandchildren, Chris Burkett, Mandy Downey, James Burkett, Eric Rogers, Amber Swanson, Hunter Rogers, Alexis Loiselle, Matt Champion and Megan Allen; nine great-grandchildren with one on the way; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, James Wilbur Champion.

Mrs. Champion will be missed by her family and all those who knew her.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. at South River Park Church of God.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

Interment will be at Memory Gardens of Fairhope.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to South River Park Church of God, 10993 County Road 32, Fairhope, AL 36532, or the Salvation Army, 2015 North McKenzie Street, Foley, AL 36535.