Martha Campbell

Obituary For Martha Campbell

Mother Martha Lee Campbell modeled a rambunctious zest for GOD, family, and life! The 96-year wise servant-leader was born June 10, 1924 in Byhalia, Mississippi to the late Charlie Campbell and late Dessie Myers Martin.

Mother Martha L. Campbell “…openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue [was] kindness.” to tell stories of her near 100-year life. She grew up on the family farm during the sharecropper’s era – growing and selling crops at the market, tending to the animals, and caring for her younger brothers and sisters. Moving to Memphis, Tennessee in the 1940s meant the completion of Martha’s degree at Booker T. Washington High School. Living with her late Godmother Mrs. Carlotta Stewart Watson – WDIA’s Aunt Carrie (mentor, teacher & organizer of Memphis’ 1st Career Fair for Blacks) hugely influenced Martha’s work ethics and life choices. By 1943, at age 19, Mother Campbell joined St. Matthew Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. H. H. Harper. Serving as a dutiful member of St. Matthew Church for 77-years, she rang heaven's bell, August 4, 2020 as the oldest living member-of-record.

Mother Campbell contributed greatly through service as Sunday School Superintendent, religiously educating many children and adults by the spirit of GOD, with 58 years of Sunday School lessons to the Junior & Ruth Circle classes. Mother Campbell, a soprano, worked as President of the legacy "Meditative & Religious Hour" WDIA Broadcast Choir for 12 years. She also served as a Baptist Training Union (BTU) leader, President of the Matrons, Financial Secretary, and captain of a $40,000 church fundraiser.

Mother Campbell’s career began working for Bond’s Clothing Store. Her part-time to full-time stay lasted 31 years and led to her selection as Bond’s 1st Black office worker. Many children, family members and friends wore the best of clothing due to Mother Campbell’s access, network, and kindness. Upon Bond’s closing, Mother Campbell was quickly recruited by Army Surplus store’s owner Sydney Schwartz. There she worked as manager for 18 years before retiring. She was known for her compelling smile, remarkable customer service, high sales, and product & buying knowledge – becoming recognized as the Manager’s Bonus Contest most consistent winner.

Mother Campbell, a woman that feareth the Lord, was praised by those young and old. Well known for her beauty, grace, and impeccable style too, Mother Campbell could still be found driving in designer hats and “high heels” during her 90s. Her grandeur influenced her work as a Mary Kay consultant under the tutelage of Memphis’ “Pink Cadillac Lady,” Elma T. Johnson.

Mother Campbell faithfully served on St. Matthew’s Mother’s Board. She served twice as the Missions Ministry President, her passion, before passing the baton to her daughter Belinda Joy "BJ" in 2018. As Mission's President, Mother Campbell led the 1st relief-of-the-poor outreach and spread-of-the-Gospel health event with Bellevue Baptist Christian Mobile Dental Clinic and the Methodist Mammography Mobile. Her daily calls to the sick and shut in, recruiting candidates for MIFA resources, and Sunday’s distribution of the Tri-State Defender paper were like clockwork.

For her 95th birthday, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee conferred upon Mother Martha L. Campbell, A Day of Recognition, June 10, 2019. United States House of Representative Congressman Steve Cohen, Mayor Jim Strickland of the City of Memphis and Mayor Lee Harris of Shelby County proclaimed June 8 and June 10, 2019, respectively, as Martha L. Campbell Day.

Mother Campbell’s sharp mind in 2020 marked a 20-year reign as Treasurer for the 30+ members of the Hollywood Seniors Center. Mrs. Evelyn Strong, her cousin, picked her up five days a week, dressed from “hat” to toe, to attend the Senior Center. She greeted her dear friends with a lively “Good Morning Hollywood!” – earning the title “Ms. Hollywood.” The Center, being the highlight of her social calendar, played a part in birthday/holiday celebrations, computer classes, traveling, luaus, plays, fashion show modeling, Bingo, Friday movies and lots of exercising (once featured in a United Way film doing water aerobics). Her smart phone talk time now included joining the church ZOOM calls on her own. Rotary International’s Gift of Life program was her chance to take action as the oldest volunteer spending time with children having heart surgery.

An avid reader, Mother Campbell’s hobbies included bible study (teased for “yellow highlighting” every page), writing, cooking (specialties: dressing, turnip greens, fried corn & sweet potato pie), gardening, Sunday afternoon visits with her sister Ella B., and watching sports. Memphis Tigers basketball was special for her as she cheered and stood the entire game, especially for nephew Jeremiah Martin. March Madness meant keeping score, down to the final buzzer. A picture of President Barack Obama and her spiritual leader, Rev. Patrick L. Lewis, Sr. saluted her daily reading/eating/creative counter. Like the love of Jesus, she held her children as her target of attention. Their well-being was her top priority. Because of Mother Campbell, Belinda Joy and London are forever influenced to do whatever is right and necessary for them to thrive. Waking up to Granny singing “Good Morning Sunshine” set the tone for her granddaughter London’s day. Showing up to 90+% of Belinda Joy’s ventures made Mom most popular at events. At 91 she flew to New York to visit London – riding the subway after catching a Broadway play. By GOD’s grace she endured a quadruple bypass and was a breast cancer survivor. Her experience through Jim Crow fueled her passion for social justice. As a 2015 Woman of Stamina, a final act was her role on June 27, 2020 as the Grand Marshall of the Peaceful Prayer Caravan. This chauffeured precious-cargo caravan of 80+ year-old women protested the injustices in America. Known for her fruitful writing, she had prepared a 3-page speech calling for change and social justice.

Mother Martha L. Campbell’s 2015 Woman of Stamina Words of Wisdom: “My journey has been empowered by my Faith in GOD. HE has been my innermost strength and brain power to execute visions and praises in HIS name. Give the LORD what you owe HIM. A 10th of your earnings is HIS tithes and a 7th of your time is HIS special time. HE will bless you with a long life. Love all people for GOD is love. Treat others just like you want them to treat you. HE will bless you with bountiful blessings. I am a witness. Ask GOD for HIS wisdom and understanding of your life’s purpose, be steadfast and unmovable, and go quickly to do just what you are purposed to do. Your life’s purpose is GOD’s gift to you to give to others. Only when you give your gift(s) (however difficult or complex they may seem) to those you serve, will you receive GOD’s loving grace and mercy. Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Be Blessed, Martha L. Campbell

Mother Martha L. Campbell is preceded by her Father, Charlie Campbell (Ressie Anderson), and Mother, Dessie Myers Martin (Henry Clay Martin), her siblings, Eula Mae Young, Remelle Brown, Bessie Dillons, Ira Lee Stewart, Peggy Ann Sample, Henry Clay Campbell, Lizzie B. Campbell, James Edward Campbell, Robert Martin, Arthur Lee Martin, “M.T.” Martin, William Martin, Alice White, Charlie Martin, Henry Martin, Jr., Eddie Martin, Ruby Moore, Andrew Martin and Johnny Martin. As the matriarch of her family, she leaves to cherish her memory her devoted daughter Belinda Joy “BJ” Campbell, admiring granddaughter London Raje’ Howell, her adoring sister Ella B. Mallet and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, great neighbors, church members and friends. In addition, she embraced with love Delicia Degraffreed and Dominique Gates as granddaughters; Patricia Bailey, Darryll King, Cecilia Rich, Jacqueline Wallace, and Brenda Young as daughters; Sarah Gilchrist as a great neighbor, Brayden Bell as her little buddy; and Ida Mae King as a lifelong friend. A legacy among all that knew her, Mother Martha Lee Campbell was an inspiration and treasure who will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her genuine concern for others, heartfelt love for family and friends, and her meaningful contributions. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be donated to her fund supporting the mission of the Hollywood Senior Center members. https://bit.ly/33Fg9Dp

A public viewing is scheduled for Friday August 14, from 4 until 6 P.M. A service of celebration to follow on Saturday August 15, at 10 A.M. both at R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home 2944 Walnut Grove Rd. Interment will be in The Historic Elmwood Cemetery.

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