Obituaries

Nelda Lucille Forrest Campbell died September 29, 2018, at Texoma Health Center, Sherman, at age 93. Family visitation will be from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, October 4, at Dannel Funeral Home. Services will be Friday, October 5, at 11 a.m. at Covenant Presbyterian Church in Sherman. Internment will follow at West Hill Cemetery.

Nelda was born April 26, 1925, in Sherman, Texas, to Aubrey Lee and Lou Etta Rogers Forrest. She graduated from Sherman High School in 1942 and, at age 17, was hired by Mr. R. L. Hall to work in his insurance business “on Wall Street” in Sherman. She was valued for her office skills, including her efficiency with Gregg Shorthand and bookkeeping. Mr. Hall, his family, and business partners were very protective of “Miss Nelda” as well as exceedingly gracious and generous to the shy young woman. She grew into a proficient bookkeeper and a determined young lady. She even bought a house for herself and her parents while working for Hall Insurance Company.

In 1946, Nelda married Hugh Campbell, having met him when he returned home from World War II. She consented to marriage after just five happy months and they celebrated sixty-three years of marriage before his death in 2009.

Hugh and Nelda centered their lives on family and church. They were members of Central Christian Church from 1946 to 1992. She served as Sunday School teacher, led Christian Women Fellowship groups, and worked on many church committees. In 1992 the Campbells joined Covenant Presbyterian Church and continued to be active in that congregation.

Nelda was a nurturing and engaged mother, volunteering in her children’s Boy Scout and Campfire Girl groups, sewing, baking, and attending every school or sporting event. She always enjoyed family vacation times and celebrations.

From 1966 until 1974 Nelda worked in the Finance Office of Austin College, hired by Mr. George Rowland. From 1978 to 1986 she served as Administrative Assistant to the newly hired Dr. Harry Smith, President of the College. Additionally she worked with Dr. John D. Moseley, Chancellor. Nelda excelled in these positions and was well-loved.

Nelda and Hugh enjoyed retirement. They traveled, even making a trip to Europe to revisit World War II sites. Grandchildren became more important, as well as bridge and dear life long friends. In later years Nelda read voraciously, mostly non-fiction focused on American history and biographies.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hugh Wilburn Campbell; son, Ronald Hugh Campbell; parents, Aubrey and Lou Etta Forrest; brother, J. L. Forrest and sister-in-law, O’Thka Forrest; sisters-in-law Helen Allison and Genelle Campbell; and brothers-in-law Jack Campbell and Ray Vinson.

She is survived by her daughter Sarah Campbell Stevens of Sherman; daughter-in-law Jeri Voigt Campbell, of Austin, TX; grandchildren Kendall Brent Campbell and wife, Susan, of Round Rock, TX, Sally Stevens Humphrey and husband, John, of Germantown, TN, and Susannah Stevens Barton and husband, Kevin, of Memphis, TN; great grandchildren Troy, Isaiah, John, and Trey Campbell and Campbell and Thomas Humphrey; sisters-in-law Betty Vinson and Carol Newsom; brother-in-law Don Newsom; and many loved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Covenant Presbyterian Church or Austin College, 900 North Grand Avenue, Sherman, Texas.