Mary Campbell

Mary Campbell grew up in a large family of seven siblings. The five sisters and two brothers shared all the wonders and happy times of growing up in a small town. Mary graduated from Lincolnton High School with honors, while also being a star on the basketball team.

She married her husband, Yates, after graduation from high school and they soon moved to Gastonia, beginning work in the Parkdale Mills. When Yates entered World War II, Mary returned with young son Walter to be with her parents during the difficult war years. Son Pratt was born in 1945. After the end of World War II, and Yates' safe return, they lived in Gastonia until Yates entered Gardner-Webb College, beginning his preparation for entering the ministry in 1950. Mary also became a student and especially loved her courses in Bible studies. In 1954 son, Scott, was born.

Mary served lovingly and willingly alongside her husband as he prepared for and pastored many Baptist churches throughout North Carolina, caring for her sons while her husband was away. They were quite a team. Never complaining about the numerous moves from one pastorate to another, she simply settled in at each new place, and got busy – Mary could quickly set a physical house in order while managing and caring for the children. She was the rock and soul of the family.

Mary was deeply loved by each congregation where they served. Making many contributions to each church's life, her life blessed others as she served in numerous capacities which included leading youth departments, working in the Women's Missionary Union, leading the GA mission organization, and teaching Sunday school. The last Sunday school class she taught was the oldest men’s class in their home church, Loray Baptist Church in Gastonia.

Always loving to learn, Mary entered nursing school and once again added being a student to her family responsibilities. After completion of training at age 50, she worked at Gaston Memorial Hospital as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the psychiatric unit. Among her many additional interests and talents were flower arranging, cooking, crafting, quilting and sewing. She was an excellent seamstress, sewing not only for herself but also for others. Using her vast base of knowledge and experiences, she nursed a grandson after his accident, sewed for grandchildren, took care of a new infant grandson, kept her own aging mother, and lovingly cared for her husband through his terminal illness. Mary’s love for her immediate family was unconditional and spread abundantly through the extended family as well. Mealtimes were always family time. Wonderful food and fun were shared around her table and she always served with her own very special style. The family can never forget the Christmas Eve celebrations and all the love shared and expressed.

Mary was a lovely, gracious woman and to be in her presence always left you smiling. Mary's love for her Lord was inspirational to all who knew her. Her life was an example of true dedication to her God, her family, and to others.

Mary was predeceased by her husband of 55 years, Rev. Yates Campbell; Four sisters: Ann Duncan, Blanche Long, Ruth Campbell, Betty Bates; Two brothers: John Wise, Sam Wise; and one niece, Clara Gilbert.

Survived by three sons: Yates Walter Campbell (Tamara), Charlotte, NC, Roy Pratt Campbell (Joan), Belmont, NC, Jonathan Scott Campbell (Claudia), Cornelius, NC.

Six grandchildren: Tonya Campbell Butts (Ken), Concord, NC, Christopher Wise Campbell (Alicia), Northborough, MA, Trofe Pratt Campbell (Amy), Leland, NC, Trenity Glen Campbell, Belmont, NC, Jason Anthony Campbell, Wake Forest, NC, Katherine Campbell Rise (Fredrik), Charlotte, NC.

Thirteen Great- grandchildren and many beloved nieces and nephews

Memorials may be sent to: General budget fund of Loray Baptist Church, 1128 W. Franklin Blvd. Gastonia, NC. 28052.

A celebration of Mary's life will be held 11:00 AM Saturday October 7, 2017 at Carothers Funeral Home Chapel - 2205 Williamsburg Drive, Gastonia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.