Mrs. Vilma Weir Campbell

Today we are here to honor and celebrate the life of a phenomenal woman. Vilma Deloris Dias Weir Campbell was born to Leila Brown and Carlton Dias on June 23, 1939, in Paradise Row in Montego Bay, Jamaica. As an only child for her parents, Vilma lived a sheltered life and was the joy of their lives and to her extended family members. She was the baby of the family and was treated as such. Early in Vilma's life her mother converted to the Seventh-day Adventist (SDA) faith and Vilma became an active member participating in as many areas of the Montego Bay SDA church as she was allowed.

Vilma was one of the first students of the newly established Harrison Memorial SDA School where she laid the foundation for her enduring faith. She continued her education at West Indies College (WIC) High School where she completed her secondary studies. Bubbly in spirit, Vilma made many friends and enjoyed her time at West Indies College. Upon graduating, she applied to the nursing program at Kingston Public Hospital (KPH) but was not accepted due to age requirements at that time. In the interim year she worked as a Kindergarten teacher at Kingsway High School in Kingston and was eventually admitted into the KPH nursing program where she excelled.

Shortly after completing her Nursing program in Jamaica, Vilma relocated to Teaneck, New Jersey area to live with her father, Carlton. She quickly got integrated into the local hospital system as a Registered Nurse at Englewood Hospital. Through a connection from WIC, Vilma reconnected with a former classmate, Ira Weir. They got married in December of 1965 and she relocated to the Bahamas to begin their life together. The union produced two wonderful girls, Faith and Kaylene. While in the Bahamas, Vilma was an active member of the Centerville Church, and she continued her nursing at Princess Margaret Hospital in Nassau.

Life changes caused Vilma, along with her two daughters, to return to Teaneck where she resumed her nursing career at Englewood Hospital, continuing her dedicated service until retirement. Vilma loved the Lord and was a fire brand at the First SDA Church of Teaneck. She served faithfully as Sabbath School Superintendent for many years and was one of the first female elders at the church. She also was a founding member and board member of the Wilbert F. Mays Adventist School - established by First Church to provide Christ-centered education to the community. She was mother, sister, and confidant to many.

Vilma was a huge believer in Adventist education and it's principles and sent both her girls through the Adventist school system. She actively participated in the New York Chapter of the WIC Alumni Association before becoming a founding member of its New Jersey Chapter. In these roles, she helped many needy students realize their dreams of attending college. Her leadership extended to serving as both Vice President and President of the Federation of Alumni Associations, further impacting the lives of students at West Indies College, now Northern Caribbean University, in Jamaica.

Vilma was an avid, enthusiastic traveler with the ambitious goal of visiting every continent. Though she traveled extensively, her dream was not realized as she was not able to visit the continent of Antarctica. Shortly before retirement, Vilma got reacquainted with Pastor Samuel Campbell. She made the life-changing decision to marry him when he proposed in 2001. They were united in marriage at Pine Forge Academy in the spring of 2002. They relocated to Apopka, Florida where they joined Mt. Olive SDA Church. True to her commitment to service, Vilma served as Sabbath School Superintendent and Women's Ministries leader. However, failing health caused her to relinquish these positions at the church. As her health continued to fail Vilma went to live with her daughter, Dr. Kaylene Cox, on the premises at the medical facilities at Uchee Pines in Alabama where on Monday, April 21, 2025, she quietly passed in her sleep.

She leaves to cherish her memories her husband, Pastor Samuel Campbell; daughters: Faith Felder Malcolm and Kaylene Cox; sons-in-law: Life Malcolm and Kevin Cox; grandchildren: Edward, Faith & Ethan Felder; stepchildren: Sherwin (Marlyse) Campbell and family; aunt: Joyce McKenzie; cousins: Johanna (Basil) Williams and family, Lloyd (Sandra) Brown and family, Raylene (Leroy) Ross and family, Marilyn McKenzie, Lloyd Brown Jr., and Basil (Tricia) Williams Jr. and family; and a host of other friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will miss her wonderful hearty laugh and infectious smile. Rest well Vilma, until we meet again!

A Funeral Service will occur Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 10:30 AM to 1:15 PM, 3350 Clarcona Rd, Apopka, FL 32703. A Graveside Service will occur Sunday, May 18, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Highland Funeral Home & Memory Gardens, 3329 E Semoran Blvd, Apopka, FL 32703.