Ruby Mae Champagne transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, February 1, 2021, at the age of 67. Born on August 20, 1953, in Sumter County, she was a daughter of the late Lucious and Ada Laws Champagne. Ruby accepted Christ as her personal savior during her youth and was a member of Mechanicsville United Methodist Church in Sumter County. In later years she continued her spiritual path at Mount Olive AME Church in Woodrow and Mount Glory Baptist Church in Sumter. Ruby was a graduate of Lincoln High School, Class of 1971. She was employed as a Customer Service Professional for more than 30 years at Clarks Department Store, Service Merchandise Department Store and finally in Downtown Sumter at Western Union before settling into retirement. Ruby had a zest for life. She enjoyed shopping for everything from clothes to antiques. She leaned on her faith as she met challenges with her health in recent years. She trusted God for healing and peace. She never complained and she continued to live out loud each day. And when her physical body began to fail, her inner spirit remained strong and focused on the promises of God. She never stopped fighting, she never stopped believing and she never stopped loving. Ruby is survived by: two sons, Alvin (Margie) Reames of Sumter and Willie Donte (Melissa) Cabbagestalk of Barnwell; eighteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; six sisters, all of Sumter, Dorothy Johnson, Carrie Lee Champagne, Louise (Willie) Champagne, Margaret (Johnny) Rhodes, Lucille Champagne and Joyce (Trace) Davis; two uncles, Robert “Bubba” Laws of Bishopville, Fred Laws of Sumter; special friends, Cassandra Renee Thompson, Patricia Webb, Beatrice Sumpter, Sissy Sanders; caregiver Rosa L. Richards; and a host of extended family, friends and community neighbors. In accordance with the COVID -19 guidelines, the family is requesting face masks and social distancing be observed by relatives and friends during all visitations at the home, 318 Oswego Highway, Sumter. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a. m., Saturday, February 6, 2021 at Colclough Cemetery, Dubose Siding Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Dr. Ralph L. Brown, pastor of Mt. Olive A. M. E. Church, officiating. The funeral procession will leave the home at 10:20 a. m.
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