Louise Campbell Legate

Born on October 13, 1931, in Gunnison, Mississippi, Louise carried the warmth and grace of her Southern roots throughout her long and meaningful life. A woman of quiet strength and steadfast faith, she was a lifelong United Methodist. Her faith journey began in childhood and supported her through her higher education as a proud graduate of Methodist-founded Wood Junior College and Millsaps College, and later in life as she earned a graduate certificate in Christian Education from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University.

Louise lived by the words of John Wesley:

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can."

She was active in church ministry throughout her life, dedicating herself to the spiritual growth of others. She held multiple leadership roles in United Methodist Women, served as a dedicated Sunday school teacher, and shared her passion for faith as an Assistant Director of Children’s Ministry at First United Methodist Church of Houston.

Louise was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Carl Legate, with whom she had been married for 58 years. The two shared an eternal love that began when they met during her college summer of service at Grace Hill Settlement House and his graduate studies at Washington University in St. Louis. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her siblings: William Earl Campbell Jr., Bettie Jo Alred, Gloria Jean Marlin, and David Leon Campbell.

She is survived by her sister, Margaret Etta Stanford, and her legacy of kindness lives on through her four children: Teresa (Bill) Needles, Timothy (Claire) Legate, Laura (Mark) Lisbeth, and Brian (Tammy) Legate. She was a cherished grandmother to ten grandchildren: Sarah (Nick) Hambarian, Tyler (Lauren) Needles, Ryan (Chelsea) Needles, Elise (John) Makalous, Perry (Lindsay) Legate, Carly (Ashley) Lisbeth, Chad (Taylor) Lisbeth, Katie Legate, Jacob (Kate) Legate, and Christie Legate. Her joy was further multiplied by her ten great-grandchildren: Taelyn and Nolan Hambarian; Noa, Kenny, and Lenny Needles; Jack, Brady, and John Witcher Makalous; and Boone and Walker Legate, as well as many nieces and nephews.

It was fitting that Louise departed on Palm Sunday — a day celebrating Christ’s love for all — which mirrored her own life of devotion to God, family, and neighbor. Her home was always a sanctuary of hospitality, and she will be remembered for her “squeeze you to pieces” hugs, baking, her enduring grace, and the bright smile she brought into every room.

All family and friends are invited to her celebration of life service, which will be held at 3:00 p.m. on April 7th at Memorial Oaks Cemetery, 13001 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77079. Services will be officiated by Reverend Janet Stilwell of Louise's church home, Wildwood United Methodist. Please consider adding a touch of purple to your outfit, as it was her favorite color.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to the United Women of Faith – Legacy Fund (formerly United Methodist Women) through their online giving page. Or the National Alliance for Care at Home - Research Institute Fund (formerly known as the National Association for Home Care & Hospice).

You may also honor Louise’s memory by sharing a kind word with a neighbor or enjoying a quiet moment of gratitude.

Giving hyperlinks

https://uwfaith.org/give/legacy-fund/?form=legacyfund

https://myalliance.allianceforcareathome.org/donate-now/?reload=timezone