Thelma Edith Lightner Campbell

Haslett, Michigan

Age 89, died on August 3, 2011 and will be sorely missed by her survivors; her son and daughter-in-law Colonel Philip L. Campbell (US ret.) and Patricia Q. Campbell of West River, MD and New Orleans, LA; son and daughter-in-law Dale A. Campbell and Theresa A. Campbell of Shelbyville, KY; and son and daughter-in-law Scott J. Campbell and Catherine F. Walker of Lansing, MI. Thelma is also survived by six grandchildren who live in Florida, Texas, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Afghanistan and Michigan; and eight great-grandchildren. She also leaves many great friends.

Thelma was preceded in death by her husband Clark F. Campbell and daughter Marcia Campbell Brayton.

Thelma was born on May 2, 1922, in Wooster, OH, where her father was the projectionist at the local movie theatre; she worked with her father at the theatre and became a lifelong movie lover. When Thelma and Clark dated they would travel to towns with dance halls as she loved dancing. Thelma and Clark married on August 13, 1943, just before Clark left for the US Army in the European Theater of World War II. Upon Clark’s return from the war they lived in Ohio and New York before settling in Haslett to raise their children.

Thelma was a long-time member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church until its closing. She volunteered as the treasurer, and was a member of church board and choir. She also was a longtime volunteer for Sparrow Hospital in the gift shop. Thelma graduated from Wooster High School in 1940, and attended Wooster College. She retired from the State of Michigan after 27 years, mostly as a tester and evaluator for the State Police. Thelma also traveled throughout the United States and Europe.

Thelma was a wonderful mother and grandmother, a caring and generous friend, and a strong, spirited, independent woman whose laughter and affection will be missed.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, August 10, 10:00 a.m. at University United Methodist Church, 1120 S. Harrison, East Lansing with Rev Jennifer Browne officiating. For those wishing to make contributions they may make them to Sparrow Foundation, Attn: Heart & Vascular Ctr., 1110 E Michigan Ave, PO Box 30480, Lansing, MI 48909-9986 or American Diabetes Association, PO Box 13067, Alexandria, VA 22312 in Thelma’s memory.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. On line condolences may be made at www.gorslineruncimaneastlansing.com.