Camille Margaret Joseph, age 74, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2018 surrounded by her devoted family. She lived a spiritual life and left behind family and friends with fond memories of her kind heart, gentle soul and courage. She left this world with grace and beauty just as she lived her life. She touched the lives of so many people and left her stamp on this earth. She was a devout Catholic and loved God above all.
On December 5, 1943 , Camille was born in Dothan, Alabama to Adele Deeb Joseph and Joseph Paul Joseph. They were the loving parents to six children, Dolores, Ronald, Marlene, Camille, Josette and Linda. Camille graduated from Dothan High School in 1962 and from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama in 1966 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Art and Elementary Education. Afterwards, she taught 3rd Grade at Christ the King Catholic School in Atlanta, Georgia before settling in Houston, Texas in 1971. She then began her sales career at American Display selling outdoor signs, where she won many awards.
As a talented artist, she painted several portraits and paintings in her spare time. She was known as a dynamic, loving and faithful source of energy throughout her journey. Those who loved her considered Camille a role model for her strength and determination in her 13-year struggle after her stroke. Although she could not speak or walk she was able to muster the words “I love you” to everyone who visited her. Her eyes would light up when she saw family and friends or pictures of her nieces and nephews.
Camille was blessed with a loving family and although she did not have children, she loved her nieces and nephews as if they were her own. She is preceded in death by her parents, Adele Deeb Joseph and Joseph Paul Joseph; her bother-in-laws Robert B. Mousa and William D. Rock. She is survived by her loving sisters, Dolores Rock, Marlene Mousa, both from Houston, Texas; Josette Joseph from Fleming Island, Florida; Linda Phelps and brother-in-law Frederick from Tallahassee, Florida and her brother, Ronald Joseph and sister-in-law Bonnie from New Braunfels, Texas. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Michelle Bickham, Melanie Ikeler, Melinda Dawes, Douglas Rock, David Rock and Elise Leiker all from Houston, Texas; Jennifer Wood from Shenandoah, Texas; Lisa Robinson from Fleming Island, Florida; Denise Murray from Jacksonville, Florida; Gevin McDaniel from Tallahassee, Florida; Janet Thompson from Seguin, Texas; Jeffrey Joseph from Woodbury, Minnesota and all of their spouses, dear friends, cousins and great nieces and nephews that brought her constant joy.
Friends and family are cordially invited to attend the visitation from 5-7pm on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 at Earthmen’s Funeral Home, 8303 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024. The service and celebration of Camille’s life will begin at 7:00pm. A funeral mass will take place on Saturday, November 10, 2018 at 10:30am at St. Columba Catholic Church in Dothan, Alabama. The interment will immediately follow at Memory Hill Cemetery where Camille will be laid to rest by her mother and father.
Serving as pallbearers are Gevin McDaniel and Patrick Hinckley. Honorary pallbearers are Douglas Rock, David Rock, Jeffrey Joseph and Frank Sturman.
The family extends our heartfelt thanks to all of her doctors and nurses for their compassion, support and loving care through the years at Park Manor and North Cypress Hospital, especially Dr. Chahal and to her friends for their unconditional love, support and prayers. You all have been angels to our family and more importantly to our precious Camille during her courageous battle.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests with gratitude that memorial contributions in Camille’s name be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Ladies Club of Houston, 6450 Olympia, Houston, Texas 77057.
Dearest Camille, we will always remember your smile, your laughter and your strength. Shine your light and love upon all of us and be our guardian angel until we see you again. May you rest in peace and your memory be eternal.
