STEPHANIE PATTERSON CHAMPION

Stephanie Patterson Champion, 50, of Sumter, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, at Prisma Health Tuomey. 
She was born on Sept. 14, 1975, in Sumter, to Linda Elmore Patterson and the late George Stephen “Steve” Patterson. Stephanie graduated from the University of South Carolina with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She was the administrator at Wesmark Ambulatory Surgery Center for over 20 years. Stephanie was an avid attender of Christ Community Church. She lived her life guided by her strongly rooted faith in the Lord never straying from trusting Him with her life and the plan He had for her. During her courageous battle with cancer, a favorite bible verse she found comfort in included Psalm 46:5 as well as many others.
Stephanie was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Those who knew her will remember her for her infectious laughter and smile, unwavering faith in Jesus, her legacy of love, kindness and strength, and most of all her dedication to her children. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with each of them making her role as a mother one of her top priorities. She was a strong woman who faced every challenge in her life with courage. She had a way of leaving a lasting impact on others, never failing to make them smile or laugh. Although Stephanie may not physically be present in our lives, her spirit and life will inspire and lift us up. May we carry her legacy of kindness, love, and strength with us each day. May we all find the inner strength and grace to handle life as she did. We will carry her in our hearts forever. 
She is survived by her mother, Linda Elmore Patterson, and her three daughters, Lauren Hayley Champion, Megan Caroline Champion and Mary Todd Champion. 
She was preceded in death by her father, George Stephen “Steve” Patterson. 
The visitation will be held on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, from 2-3 p.m. at Christ Community Church in Sumter, with the funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. The burial will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. 
Memorials may be made to Christ Community Church, 320 Loring Mill Road, Sumter, SC 29150, or the American Cancer Society.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.