Mary Lou Harned Campbell

Mary Lou K. Harned Campbell passed away March 18 at age 96 surrounded by those who loved her. She is remembered for her vivacious laughter, ready sense of humor and especially for the love and generosity she easily extended toward all she knew.

The daughter of Herbert and Sarah Louise Koch, she attended Atherton Girls High School in Louisville, Kentucky, where she played violin with the school orchestra. She graduated early from the University of Louisville with a degree in History. She met her husband of 46 years, Harold Harned, when he returned from the U.S. Navy to Louisville during World War II.

Mary Lou was conscientious in all her endeavors. While raising four children in North Carolina, she earned a Master's in Russian History from UNC-G. She directed the Rockingham County Head Start program and later the county’s vocational center for workers with disabilities. She taught high school civics and geography In Wythe County, Virginia.

A lifelong music lover, she worked on the first Rockingham County Community Concert Board and served as Junior Choir Director for both St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Reidsville, N.C. and St. John’s Episcopal Church in Wytheville, Virginia. She also was a vestry member and alternate organist for St. Thomas.

A devoted student of history, Mary Lou enjoyed serving on historic preservation boards.

Her favorite project was the 19th century farmhouse where she lived for 35 years. She researched the house for listing on the National Register of Historic Places and collaborated with Randall’s United Methodist Church to lead community house tours.

Mary Lou loved the adventure of travel. She was always ready to pack a bag and explore the world including China, Russia, Europe, Thailand, Singapore, Canada and more. Even so, her most cherished times were family gatherings at the beach and farm.

She is survived by four children: Hollis Harned Wild (Jay) of West Jefferson, NC; Quinn Harned Hampton (David) of Empire, Michigan; Louise Harned (John) of Greensboro, NC; Hewitt Harned (Melissa) of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina: and grandchildren Ben Hampton, Bailey Hampton, Randi Libin-Straub, and great-granddaughters Harlow and Henley Hampton.

After Harold's passing in 1996, Mary Lou married Archie Campbell of Wytheville, Virginia and is survived by his children Donald Campbell (Patty); Miranda Weaver (Mike), and Flo Pierce (Andy); and grandchildren Donald, Patricia, Jack, Elizabeth, Jim and Jeb; and great grandchildren Eloise, Tripp, Emmaline, Addie Lou, Collins and Patterson.

She is preceded in death by her sister Dorothy Leever and by Harold and Archie.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial gifts to AuthoraCare Collective/General Hospice Services, 2500 Summit Avenue, Greensboro, NC 27405 and Doctors Without Borders.

Mary Lou has embarked on her next journey. Bon voyage. And with our love, Godspeed.

Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is assisting the Campbell family. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com