Carolyn Drinkard Champion

Carolyn Drinkard Champion went home to be with the Lord on Saturday
morning, March 9, 2024.
She was born on May 13, 1948 in Bristol, Virginia.
Carolyn was admired for her quick wit and sly sense of humor. She was
kind, loving, and gave her daughters the endearing nicknames of
“Peapod” and “Lucy.” On Saturday mornings the girls would wake up to
her playing the piano, a memory they will forever keep in their hearts.
Not only was Carolyn a talented pianist; she took pride in her garden
and could grow just about anything. She especially loved Calla lilies.
Carolyn traveled, collected mementos, and during her quiet moments
enjoyed reading and working on puzzles. Carolyn had an outgoing and
caring spirit. She never met a stranger, and many considered her to be
a special part of their world. Above all, her grandchildren were her
sunshine and she always let them know how much they were loved.
Carolyn is survived by her daughters Christina Champion-Fritz of
Wilmington, North Carolina and Lisa Clary of Gastonia, North Carolina,
her five grandchildren; Daniel Fritz, Michael Clary, Bradley Clary, Alexis
Clary, Erin Schultz and her husband Cail; and a great granddaughter,
Chloe Schultz. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Ted
Hatzenbuhler, many cousins and nieces, close friends Mary Lynn Woro
and Earlene Barker, and countless others.
She is preceded in death by her parents Dan and Carrie Drinkard,
brother, Daniel Furman Drinkard, III, and sister, Linda Susan Drinkard.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 from 1:00
PM-2:30 PM at Austin and Barnes Funeral Home. Online condolences
may be made be shared at the website
www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com.

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