Camille A Dempsey

She was born the only daughter of John Thurman and Thelma Armour on August 3, 1930, in Byhalia, Mississippi. After graduating high school in 1948, Camille married Cecil Robert "Bob" Dempsey in May of 1950. They relocated to Tampa after Bob's tour of duty in the Navy during the Korean conflict, ultimately settling in Seffner in 1965.

In addition to being a homemaker, Camille began her school bus driving career in 1968 for Temple Heights Christian Schools in lieu of tuition for her four children. In 1972, she transferred to the Hillsborough County Public Schools Transportation System where she remained until her retirement in 1995.

Bob and Camille were founding members of Grace Community Church and Grace Christian School in Valrico. She loved singing her favorite hymns in the choir and making dishes for church suppers. Her "mission field" was her family and the thousands of children that climbed aboard her bus over the course of twenty-five years. She offered the love of Jesus to children from broken homes, those that were bullied, lonely or needed a friend, and yes, even discipline to those who lacked it.

Her hobby was health. She was passionate about her daily workout routine with her "Curves Girls" and invited anyone who would listen to join them. From her "country home remedies" to being an American Red Cross blood donor with regular frequency, Camille encouraged people to choose a healthy, happy life. But above all, she loved counseling people to choose eternal life by placing their faith and trust in Jesus Christ as their personal Savior.

Camille is predeceased by Bob, her husband of sixty-four years. She is survived by her four children: Kevin (Lisa) Dempsey, Keith (Terri) Dempsey, Karla Dempsey and Kathy (Carlyle) Keely, along with 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.