Peggy deCordova Pitts Champion
On June 3, 2023, Peggy deCordova Pitts Champion, age 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by the embrace of her family, her grandchildren, and her great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Russell deCordova; and her sister, Ethel Ann deCordova Porter.
Born Sept. 26, 1928, a birth she joyously celebrated the entire month of September, she was the beloved daughter of Irvin deCordova Jr. and Lucile Russell deCordova. A native of Groesbeck, Peggy was a proud graduate of Groesbeck High School and a devoted alumnus of Baylor University.
In 1949, Peggy united in love and marriage with James Edmond Pitts, a union that lasted until 1967. She found love again and married John W. Champion in 1973, a partnership that flourished until 2003. Peggy’s spirit lives on in the lives of her children deLou Corbitt (Don), Johnny Champion (Rebekah), Craig Champion (Wanda), Deanna Champion McKeever (Keith), Mark Champion, and Molly Champion Baize (Jeff).
The legacy of her kindness and strength is also carried forward by her grandchildren, Drew Corbitt (Rachel), Devin Corbitt Woodall (Aaron), Craig Champion Jr. (Jacy), Carmen Champion Reyes (Al), Tara Champion Moore (Harry), Josh McKeever (Missy), Ashley McKeever, Paige Baize Soukup (Brandon), Perri Baize; and numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins who brought endless joy into her life.
Peggy was a beacon of determination and resilience. After breaking her pelvis at the ages of 89 and again at 93, she overcame the odds to walk again. Peggy was a masterful cook, well known for her peach cobbler, pecan pie, pork roast, and oyster dressing at Thanksgiving.
She co-owned the Groesbeck Commission Company Sale Barn with her first husband Edmond. Her devotion to her community was evident in her active participation in First Baptist Church of Mexia and her committed volunteer work at Providence Hospice.
Peggy was a social butterfly, known for her sharp wit, infectious laughter, and the joy she brought to every gathering. She cherished the long-running bridge games with her dear friends and enjoyed attending Supper Club and hosting dinner parties.
We remember Peggy as a steadfast supporter, an inspiring matriarch, a renowned cook, and a vivacious friend. Her determination, love, and laughter have left a mark on us all. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate her extraordinary life and take comfort in knowing her legacy lives on in the hearts and lives of her family and the many friends whose lives she touched.
Visitation with the family was 5 to 7 p.m., Monday, June 5.
Funeral services were 2 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, at First Baptist Church with the Rev. Marcus Sheffield officiating. Interment followed in the Faulkenberry Cemetery in Groesbeck. Bill Ward, Benji Reed, Dennis Wilson, Dave Chilcoat, Joe Montgomery, Ivan Jackson, Keith Price, Ray Jones and Roy De-Friend served as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers were her great-grandchildren.
Ms. Peggy’s family would like to express their sincere appreciation to her caregivers; they were truly a tremendous “Blessing” to her as well as her family.
Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 500 E. Carthage, Mexia, TX 76667.
Please visit www.blairstubbs. com to leave the family a message of condolence or sign the guest book.
