Lisa Champion

When someone you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure. 

 

With much love spread and many memories shared, our beloved Linda accepted her angel's invitation into the kingdom on Saturday, September 4, 2021. As a result our hearts are less bright but we know the heavens are filled with extra doses of love, joy, peace and laughter. 

 

Linda C. Champion, born June 8, 1949 in Trenton, New Jersey to James Champion and Rosalee Champion. She was educated in the Trenton public school system. 

 

At an early age she relocated to Manhattan, New York to follow her dream as a professional singer. In the early 70's Linda joined a group called "The Hamptones", and she appeared on various stages like The Soul Train Awards, the PBS sound stage, Yankee Stadium and Madison Square Garden. She received the Rhythm and Blues Foundation Pioneer Award. You would often hear her sing her favorite song, which was her own rendition of "Gee Wiz", which was on the songs on their album "Love Needs". 

 

Also during this time she met her lifelong partner of 49 years Ronald "Ronnie" Blackmon. Together they moved to Brooklyn, NY and raised four children. 

 

Linda loved her family, and she would take every opportunity to travel back to Trenton to cook for her family's events along with her sisters. Linda had a special bond with her sisters and brothers, and there wasn't anything that she wouldn't do for any of her many nieces and nephews. She showed undeniable love for her children and grandchildren. In return, Linda was also deeply loved and cared for. 

 

She was predeceased by her son Mark Anthony Blackmon; her life partner Ronald Blackmon; her father James Champion; brothers James Higgins, James Pete Champion and Woodrow Champion; godson De'Andre White. 

 

Linda's memory will be cherished and forever remembered by her mother Ro­salee Champion, three children Reggie, Yalonda (Tami) Blackmon and Yvette Dawson; 3 sisters Rosalee, Shirley Champion and Brenda Wright; 5 brothers Wesley, Ronald, Tony, Michael, and Jaycee Champion; 7 grandchildren LaKina, Jaquan, Malik Blackmon, Jesse Spivey, Jacquette, James and Javette Dawson; 1 great grandchild John Hill; special niece Dorice Champion; special nephew Anthony Wright; a maternal uncle Boisie Roberts, 39 nieces and nephews, 82 great nieces and nephews; a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, other relatives and friends.