Kathryn Lee Champion

Kathryn Lee (McCraw) Champion, aged 84, passed away peacefully on January 12, 2024, in Maggie Valley, North Carolina. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Kathryn is remembered for her spunk, kindness, humor, and endless love.  

Kathryn was born on September 22, 1939, in Gaffney, South Carolina. She was the daughter of Floyd and Vivian McCraw and one of nine children.

 “Nana” or “Aunt Kat” to many loved ones, Kathryn was a fiercely independent hard worker who always put others above herself. After moving throughout her adult life as a devoted member of the United Methodist Church, she lived her final years in her “happy place”, Ocean Isle Beach, where she enjoyed birdwatching and walking on the beach. Above all else, though, she enjoyed talking on the phone to her deeply loved friends and family – who will dearly miss her quick wit and loving anecdotes.

Kathryn is survived by her husband Buddy Champion, sons Stan Champion and Blake Champion, daughter-in-law Barbie Champion, grandchildren Justin, Brittney (Ethan) and Jaylon, and great grandchild Emma. She is also loved and remembered by her surviving sisters Elaine Curtis (Gene) and Edith Gardner (Wayne).

Memorial services will be at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in the Waynesville Chapel of Wells Funeral Home with Pastor Harry Worley officiating. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. prior to the service.