A Friend to Everyone
Sybil Taylor Champion passed away peacefully on October 2. She was 98 years old. She had been a resident at Cypress Glen Retirement Community in Greenville, NC for the past 4 years after living almost 7 decades in Clayton, NC.
Sybil was born in Newbury and grew up in Winchester, England. She was the daughter of Peter and Julia North Taylor. A sister, Joan Taylor Edwards, predeceased her and her older brother Peter William Taylor recently celebrated his 101st birthday in London, England where he lives. Sybil was a graduate of Reading University and was teaching when war came to England. After American troops settled in England during war preparations, she met Battle Wilson Champion. They remained in touch during his deployment to the war in Africa and Italy and return to England. Ultimately, when he went back to America, she followed him soon thereafter. They married and settled in his hometown of Clayton.
Sybil developed a lifetime of commitment and service in Clayton. She became a devoted member at First Baptist Church where she sang in the choir, participated in numerous other activities and ultimately became a Deacon in the church. In her Clayton community, she was a leader in the growth and development of the Hocutt Ellington Memorial Library for which she had a great passion. She was active in service on a State Health Board and was instrumental in bringing additional medical service to Clayton at a time when the area was underserved. She contributed countless hours to documenting the history of the town, church, and Woman’s Club.
Most importantly, Sybil loved and was loved by Clayton and the people there. She was a friend to everyone and a supporter of all. She was always a good listener who enjoyed conversation and getting to know every person she met.
Sybil was predeceased by husband Battle Wilson Champion and daughter Gail Champion Vann. She is survived by two sons and their wives, Peter and Pansy Champion, John Champion and Penelope Malone, son-in-law Neal Vann and wife Nancy, granddaughters Rachel Vann, Laura Vann, and grandson Jason Champion.
Services will be held at First Baptist in Clayton on Wednesday, October 10th at 11 am followed by burial in Maplewood Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church or the Hocutt-Ellington Memorial Library in Clayton, NC. Online condolences may be made to the Champion family at www.mclaurinatpinecrest.com. Arrangements are with McLaurin Funeral Home, Clayton.
