July 14, 2023, 75, Goldsboro —

Mary Lee Johnson Champion Ashe, 75, passed away at PAM Health Specialty Hospital in Rocky Mount on Friday, July 14, 2023. She was born in Johnston County to the late Paul Vernon Johnson and Virginia Lane Johnson on September 6, 1947. In addition to her parents, Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Mark Gilbert Ashe, daughter-in-law, Dorthy Champion; sister, Shirley Cornell; brother, Jack Wayne Johnson; and the father of her children, Charles Raymond Champion.

Family was first and foremost in Mary’s life. Though her children were very special, her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were truly a light to her life. Mary was instrumental in raising and caring for many of her grandchildren. Her spirits were lifted and her will to live was strengthened each time her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were visiting.

She enjoyed cooking, playing bingo, and a good shopping trip to Walmart. Mary’s larger-than-life personality and radiant smile could always light up a room wherever she went. She loved being up on all the news and would love to gossip about what she learned because she was known to not keep a secret.

Mary was able to experience the goodness of God in the land of the living. She not only enjoyed fishing, but she also observed the beauty of God’s creation right outside of her own doors. Mary watched flowers bloom and God’s goodness spread throughout her land while sitting on her porch at home or while at the mountains which she always enjoyed visiting.

The family will receive friends on Monday, July 17, 2023, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Seymour Funeral Home. A service to celebrate Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, in the chapel of Seymour Funeral Home with her nephew, Rev. Kevin Champion, officiating. The interment will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

Mary is survived by her children, Jerry Champion; Mike Champion and wife, Tricia; Tony Champion and wife, Kim; Sidney Champion and wife, Shanna; and Jamie Lynn Brown and partner Rex Smith; fifteen grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters, Sheila Faucette and Janice Hayes; and her special k-9 friend, Baby.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be given in her memory to the
American Lung Association
55 W. Wacker Drive, Suite 1150
Chicago, IL 60601

Services are entrusted to Seymour Funeral Home and Cremation Service.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com.