Effie M. Champagne, 97, of Nederland, Texas passed away on November 4, 2011, at her home surrounded by her family. She is rejoicing in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.Effie, one of eleven siblings, was born in Nunez, Louisiana, on March 23, 1914 to Pierre and Elizabeth Vincent. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Oscar Champagne, and her son, Raymond Champagne.She is survived by her sons, Wilfred Butch Champagne and wife, Debbie, of Nederland, Nolan Champagne and wife, Jill of LaPorte, and daughter, Rita Smith and husband, Johnny of Jasper. Also by her grandchildren: Bryant Champagne, Brandon Champagne, Nikki Brown, Jimmy Smith, Justin Smith, Kendall Champagne, Kelly Champagne and seven greatgrandchildren.Effie dedicated her life to God and her family, always putting others first, never avoiding her responsibility. She helped those in need and was an encouragement to everyone, never judging, only accepting. She was a great homemaker and wonderful cook, sharing her talents with all. No one ever left her kitchen table hungry and the grandkids knew where to go for treats. Family and friends will surely miss her gifts of pecans, shelled and ready to eat, and her wonderful baked goods.Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, November 6, 2011, at Melancon39s Funeral Home, 1605 Avenue H, in Nederland. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011, with Dr. L. A. Richardson officiating at Melancon39s Funeral Home. Interment will be at Vincent Cemetery in Nunez, Louisiana, at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, November 7, 2011.The family would like to thank everyone for their help during her illness. A special thanks to all Texas Home Health and Texas Home Health Hospice nurses for their excellent care during this time. Also, we thank her special caregivers for giving her loving care during her last years. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Central Gardens Baptist Church of Nederland, 114 4th Avenue, Nederland, TX.
Condolences
James Overstreet
November 8, 2011
Butch, Nolan, RitaSo sorry to hear about your Mom. What a special Lady. I will never forget the smells from her house when I would stop in the morning. It always smelled so good.I am so sorry I did not know about her passing or I would have been there with you. She will always have a special place in my heart. Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all.James Ann Overstreet
Marion Overstreet Leblanc
November 7, 2011
Rita, Nolan, and Butch I just found out tonight, Nov. 7, about your moms passing. She will always have a special place in my heart. Always busy, full of joy, and ready to lend a helping hand. I loved her greeting me every morning as a kid on the way to the bus stop. Those were wonderful times and I didnt realize it until they were gone. But I know Ill see her in Glory Cherish the wonderful memories. Love you.
Becky Drinnon
November 6, 2011
Dear Aunt Effie what a woman, what an example, what a testimony to our Lord and Savior I will always remember going to Pt. Neches to see Grandmere and Grandpere. Aunt Effies was a bonus Always in the kitchen putting everybody elses needs before hers. Pecans, pecans, pecans Dirty rice. An amazing, strong lady. I will always remember that you were here for us when daddy died and the memory of quotWhat a Friend We Have In Jesusquot french version at moms deathbed and also at our long overdue family reunion PRICELESS You have finished your job here on this earth. I know this is not goodbye for we will see you again when we enter the gates of Heaven. We will miss you terribly, but always know you are forever in our hearts love ya, Sha im sure that is misspelled nobody every said it like Aunt Effie Love to all our familyBecky
Roberta Smart
November 6, 2011
What a reunion there is in heaven as Aunt Effie has joined my mom and ALL the other cajun relatives that have graduated to glory before us What wonderful memories we all have of going to Pt. Neches every summer to visit Grandmere Grandpere . . . Effies house was the BEST place to be. She was loving, kind, giving and always had a smile and a hug for each of us. i will always treasure the memory of her coming to Amarillo when my mom was in hospcie sitting by her bedside singing quotWhat a Friend We Have in Jesusquot in French Mom loved that song and I know it was special to you. Sending hugs to all your beautiful family. We love you all and will keep Aunt Effie in our heart until our mansions are complete and we all meet again.
John And Sue Thibodeau
November 5, 2011
Effie we remember you as the fine lady that you were. You were always joyful and made us feel happy. Thank you for the memories.Rest in peace