A graduate of Quincy Senior High School, Quincy, IL., Sharla was employed as Display Dept. Manager at J.C. Penny Co. before working in Quincy Newspapers Inc’s., Classified Advertising department for 7 years.
She was a 55-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Alpha Chapter 109; former member of Luther Memorial and Central Baptist Churches; and the Quincy YWCA We Modern’ s Club.
In 1970 she enrolled at Western Illinois University, Macomb, IL, She graduated in three years with a Bachelor of Science Degree: Psychology Major, Sociology Minor.
She was a member of Psi Chi, the International Honor Society in Psychology; assisted in the campus publication of the Psi Chi newsletter “The Free Press”; served as student volunteer for the campus-community Crisis Hotline Service; was elected Thompson Hall dorm floor president and representative to the WIU General Assembly.
Sharla was an active member of the WIU Campus Wesley Foundation, where she met her future husband, John Lewis Campbell of Clinton, Ohio. They were united in marriage during a candlelight service May 19, 1975, at Wesley United Methodist Church, Macomb.
John was Sharla’s beloved. Together for 47 years, she cherished him as a godly husband and father, often referring to him as a “truly good man”. She spoke with pride of his many educational and work accomplishments and loved him dearly.
In 1978, moving to Athens began a new chapter in their life together. After they joined First United Methodist Church, she was a member of Cornerstone and Tumbleweeds Sunday School classes; participated in Senior Fun Group; Theophostic Prayer Ministry; Walk to Emmaus, the Elijah Project; and United Methodist Women, where she helped design and execute the Anniversary Quilt; taught several needlework classes during Wednesday night studies; and served on both the FUMC Administrative and Wesley Foundation boards.
The birth of their precious and cherished daughter, Lórien, brought additional joy to her life. Sharla loved being a mother. A natural storyteller and keeper of family lore, many moments of rocking chair times together included family histories, fairy tales, nursery rhymes and old songs. Her love of God’s revelation through nature often had them hopping from the car to look at “fairy rings”; flowers; woolly lambs; and beautiful dawns and sunsets.
Sharla’s many talents and interests included: writing poetry; photography; creating Photomorphic prints; designing handmade photo cards; acrylic painting; pen and ink drawing ; genealogy; needlework; crocheting, and sewing. Her interests were furthered by her membership in Clarke-Oconee Genealogical Society; Athens Historical Society; OLLIE and its “Memoir Writing” group; Athens Rock and Gem Club; and OCAF, where several of her photography and poetry works were chosen and exhibited.
Sharla’s special talent was loving her family and friends. A deeply caring person, she sent cards, letters, telephoned, and prayed for them. Losing them was very painful for her. Born intuitive and discerning, she used her special gifts to comfort others. Knowing from personal experience that a message from recently departed loved one often comes to those left behind to bring comfort and peace, she encouraged others to share their spiritual stories as testimony to God’s goodness, grace and love. She believed numinous revelations were gifts from God.
The last of her family of origin, she is preceded in death by her parents, Louis T. and Aurelia (Hale) Dimmit (Quincy, IL); brother, Louis A. Dimmitt, Master Chief Petty Officer E-9, US Navy retired (Loveland, CO).
Sharla is survived by her loved ones: beloved husband John Lewis and daughter Lórien Campbell; sister-in-law Norma Dimmitt, nephews Louis and Aaron/Laura Dimmitt; two nieces: Sarah/Ron Christensen; Jennifer/Amadeo (Mutt) Barlea and all their families, of Loveland, Co., “niece” Sally/Warren Hall family and friends.
A service of celebration and remembrance will be on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 2pm at Athens First United Methodist Church. A reception will follow. Those unable to attend in person can view the funeral livestream on Vimeo at: https://athensfirstumc.org.
In gratitude and recognition for 5 years of constant kindness and prayers, the Campbell family would like to thank the Tumbleweeds and Cornerstone classes. You have been a blessing in our lives.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Georgia Chapter of the ALS Association:
5881 Glenridge Dr #200, Atlanta, GA 30328.
Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
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