Thelma Campbell

Obituary of Thelma CampbellThelma Irene Martin Campbell, 91, passed away on Tuesday, March 18, 2008, at home in the presence of her loved ones. She was born in Frostproof, Florida, on May 24, 1916, and lived in South Florida until moving to Marion County in 1946. She is preceded in death by her husband, Delba Campbell, one daughter, Margie Davis, one son, Wilbur "Bocus" Campbell, and two infant children. She is survived by three sons and four daughters: Delba "Bud" Campbell, Fort Hall, Idaho; Shirley Ingram (husband, Larry), Gainesville, Florida; Ester Henry (husband, Lee), Ellen Griggs (husband, Leonard "Buck"). and Brenda Bibb, of Ocala, Florida; Stanley Campbell (wife, Lola) of Anthony, Florida; and Coley Campbell (wife, Robin) of Tallahassee, Florida. Thelma was blessed with a large and loving family, and has 31 grandchildren, 52 great grandchildren, and 12 great great grandchildren. She is also survived by two sisters-in-law, Connie Kelly of Fort Meade, Florida, sister of her late husband, and the wife of one of her brothers, Mary Lou Martin of Fort McCoy, Florida; she and Mary Lou made a pact to be "sisters" when they both became the only one left in their respective families. She is also survived by many other nieces and nephews. The Campbell family lived in the community of Fellowship on Highway 27 from 1946 until the children were grown, after which Thelma moved to Ocala. She has remained a member of Fellowship Baptist Church. She retired from the Marion County School Food Services after 22 years of employment. Her passionate hobby was quilt making; she loved putting the quilt squares together, then watching them come together into a whole as the squares were joined together. Then they came alive to her as the layers of quilt top, batting, and backing were lovingly quilted together by hand. Many people appreciate and enjoy her handiwork, but they are most enjoyed by her children, grand children, great grandchildren, and great great grandchildren. Truly, "To be covered by a quilt is to be covered with love." Thelma, along with five brothers and sisters, was a survivor of the tragic 1928 hurricane of South Florida.

Thelma Campbell

May 24, 1916 - March 18, 2008