Mrs. Marcia Joan (Champion) Baxter

Marcia Joan (Champion) Baxter, 76, was born October 3, 1942 in Chicago, IL to Lewis and Ethel Champion. She grew up and was educated in Evanston, IL. After graduating from Evanston Township High School in 1960, Marcia attended the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. Marcia was united in holy matrimony to John E. Baxter Jr. (Chubby), her high school sweetheart on February 8, 1962. From this union two sons were born, Derek Keith Baxter and Anthony Scott Baxter.

After college, Marcia was employed by the Dept. of Agriculture. Following her employment there, she followed in her mother's footsteps as a nursery school teacher and worked at the Child Care Center located at the First Church of God, 1524 Simpson St, in Evanston, IL. The Child Care Center later moved to Asbury Avenue (now called the Learning Bridge), where Marcia continue to work as a highly respected & loved teacher until her retirement in 2003.

Marcia was an avid sports enthusiast. When she wasn't watching sports on TV (her beloved Bulls, Cubs, & Bears), or attending a game in person, she played on female adult softball league. Marcia also loved to bowl, which she did for over 25 years. She was in three bowling leagues, one traveling league and two local leagues. For several years she was the top female bowler in all her leagues. In between bowling & taking care of her family she also enjoyed her other passion playing bingo with good friends. She continued to enjoy bingo even through her battle with dementia/Alzheimer at the Oak Park Arms Independent & Assistant Living Community.

Marcia departed this life on Sunday, MAY 19, 2019. Marcia is preceded in death by her parents, Lewis & Ethel Champion; John E. Baxter (Chubby), her husband of (55) years; son Anthony S. Baxter, sister  Marjorie Dixon, & brother Lewis Champion Jr. Marcia leaves to cherish her memory, her oldest devoted son Derek (Yvonne) Baxter of Forest Park, IL; eight grandchildren: Darius Baxter of Joliet, IL, Erin and Sean Baxter of Northlake, IL, , Morgan Williams of Chicago, IL, Excelle (Heather) Asbury of Chicago, IL, Nicholas Asbury of Chicago, IL, Chris (Ana) Baxter of Yuma, AZ, Dylan Baxter of Chicago, IL, and five great-grand children: Daveigh Baxter, Skyler Asbury, Nicholas Brahos, E, lijah Asbury, & Noah Baxter, Sister: Gwen Armour of Henderson, & Ramona Burton of Evanston, IL, Brother: Vernon (Patsy) Champion of Westchester, IL, Brother-in-law: Larry Baxter of Chicago, IL, Uncle: James Dixon of Gary, IN, and many nieces and nephews, cousins, and a host of friends & co-workers.

Arrangements entrusted to Thompson Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. Mr. Philip L. Gillette ~ Funeral Director  

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