Shirley Campbell

Shirley Campbell

Shirley Joan Elizabeth Baker Campbell died early Monday, January 25th at the McCamey Convalescent Center. Shirley lived a full and vibrant life in her own home until six weeks before her death.
Shirley was born April 8, 1920, in Desdemona, Texas, to Otto E. and Maude Griffith Baker. She married Walter J. Campbell, Jr. in Kermit, Texas, on August 16, 1941. Walter and Shirley were the parents of two daughters: Joan and Kathy. Together they celebrated 60 years of marriage before Walter's death in February 2002.
During World War II, Shirley followed her lieutenant husband from base to base as he served in the Air Force. Their oldest daughter, Joan, was born during this time. Joan preceded her parents in death in 1993.
McCamey was not Shirley's first choice as a permanent residence in 1950 but once again she followed Walter, this time into the oil field business. In McCamey, Shirley initially worked for dentist Dr. Slaughter and later at Security State Bank. She served as McCamey City Secretary and then joined Walter in the family business, Permian Pump and Supply. Grady's Western Supply was her last employer, well into her 70s, after Walter sold his business.
Shirley was the first woman elected to the McCamey City Council. She served on the boards of the McCamey Hospital and Permian Basin Girl Scouts. For many years, Shirley was the local contact for the American Heart Association.
Following Walter's death, Shirley treasured traveling with her friend Cleon Hanks throughout the region. She loved to play cards with her friends Emma and George. Her compassionate spirit extended from her friends in need of transportation to cancer treatment to animal shelters, from veterans to the people of Appalachia. Memorials to her memory may be made to your favorite charity.
Shirley was a member and treasurer of First Christian Church of McCamey. When the church disbanded, Shirley was insistent the building be given to Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home to continue to serve the community and that her services be held there. Services will be held in the chapel of Shaffer-Nichols Funeral Home, McCamey, on Wednesday, January 27, 2010, at 4:00 p.m. The Reverend Jimmy Braswell, Shirley's former pastor, will conduct the services. Pallbearers will be family friends George Berry, Frank Deaderick, Bruce Grady, Will Kennedy, Russell Meyers, and Jim Witcher.
Shirley is survived by her family of the home: daughter Kathy Campbell, Karen Reed, and granddaughters Kelton and Keller.
Shirley was well-loved in McCamey and West Texas. Many thanks are extended to her neighbors, community friends and loved ones throughout the area who asked about and cared for her. Her family wishes to extend special thanks to the ladies of the First United Methodist Church, McCamey, and the staff of the McCamey Convalescent Center for their loving care during her last days.