Meredith Anne Campbell

Meredith grew up in Annapolis, MD, and went to Vassar College at the tender age of 16. After touring Europe on her own in her late teens, Meredith got her Master's of Social Work from Columbia University and proceeded to work with SNCC to register Black voters in the deep South.

Meredith met her husband-to-be, John, on a blind date to swim at Jones Beach in New York City. John and Meredith had two children, Joshua and Mark, born in Boston, MA, and Boise, ID, respectively. They followed John’s medical residency and eventually his Family Practice around the country.

Meredith’s family moved to Lincoln, NE, to be closer to John’s parents Albert and Idella Schrekinger. Meredith worked to become a pillar of the activist community and was frequently seen, hand-painted sign in hand, protesting to support Women’s Rights and advocating for World Peace.

Meredith became a mentor for Lincoln Public Schools, helping some of the most gifted young minds reach their full potential. Brilliant. Funny. Dry. Capable. Meredith greenlit the interests of her sons and students, spending countless hours behind the wheel driving to museums, practices, and all things artistic. After many years, she shifted her focus and became a librarian for Lincoln Public Libraries. She spent many of her twilight years guiding Lincolnites to knowledge and children to magical things.

Mrs. Campbell was a fixture at the Farmer’s Market buying cut flowers and produce when she wasn’t growing her own in her wild home garden. She could often be found writing in her gazebo while looking out at the purple, blue and yellow flowers that she prized.

Meredith was an artist. She began as a poet and author of short stories and poems published in many varied publications, and moved on to visual arts such as weaving and, eventually, bead and necklace making. Her necklace-making passion, discovered during a family vacation to Estes Park, CO, eventually spun into a full business selling her necklaces at various shops and galleries around Lincoln.

Meredith is survived by her sons Joshua and Mark Campbell and her grandchildren Griffin and Gareth Campbell. Her impact on their lives and hearts can never be overstated