Huldah Stainback Champion, beloved mother and grandmother passed away Wednesday, March 5, 2008 in Phelan, California.
Huldah was born June 11, 1920 in Cradock, Virginia to Ethel Suzanna Doran and Peter Nathaniel Stainback. She graduated from William & Mary College and received her Masters from the University of Mississippi, Oxford. She was awarded an honorary degree from Gavilan College. During WWII she worked as a micro-bacteriological researcher for the State of Virginia. She fell in love and married an Ensign in the USN, George Peter Champion. Huldah was a loving and supportive wife during their 56 years of marriage. Cmdr. Champion preceded her in death as did their third child, Huldah Rebecca. Huldah will be buried with George and Becky in Arlington National Cemetery.
Huldah is survived by three children. Peter Champion, an attorney in Visalia, Grace Suzanne Compton, a music teacher with the LA School District and Charles Champion, an Asset Manager with Pratt & Whitney at Edwards AFB. Huldah is survived by seven grandchildren and one great-grandson, one brother in Virginia, and a host of treasured friends.
Huldah was an instructor at La Verne College, Hartnell College, and Gavilan College. She was a past president of the Gilroy chapter of the Philanthropic Educational Organization and active in the Daughters of the American Revolution. Huldah was an avid public speaker on social issues and was often requested to present sermons for various denominations. She presented inspirational biographical theatrical presentations throughout California on the lives of “Little Known Accomplished Women”.
Gifts in Huldah’s name may be made to the American Cancer Society, the P.E.O., or DAR. A memorial service will be held at the Wrightwood Community United Methodist Church, Saturday, March 15, at 1:00 P.M.
