She was born in Beeville, Texas, to James Percy Darby and Jessie Owings Darby and graduated from the University of Texas in 1938. Following graduation, she married the love of her life, Ben S. Campbell, Jr., in 1939 and remained in Beeville to teach school while he served in the Army during WWII. After his return, they moved to Houston, where they raised their family and lived for the next 70 years.
Dede was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. Her life was filled with love for her family and her church. She was very involved at River Oaks Baptist Church and devoted much of her time there to the International Neighbors Program and Vacation Bible School. She especially loved church hymns and enjoyed singing on Sunday mornings and playing the piano. Dede had a bright smile, piercing blue eyes, and was truly a beautiful person inside and out. She will be deeply missed by all those whose lives she touched.
Dede was preceded in death by her husband, Ben; and their son, Ben S. Campbell III. She is survived by her daughters, Laura Coffman and her husband, Dennis, of McAllen; and Dorothy Strauss and her husband, Charles, of Houston; grandchildren, Amanda Pettitt (husband, Alex, and daughters, Lainey and Lexi) of Austin, Nicole Crain (husband, Mitch, and children, Parker, Jackson, and Avery) of Austin, Lauren Hufford (husband, Trice, and children, Connor and Ellie) of Houston, Darby Allen (husband, Zachary) of Houston, and Charlie Strauss of Houston.
The family would like to sincerely thank Madeline Goldsmith and the staff at The Forum Assisted Living along with Hospice Compassus for their compassionate and loving care.
Dede’s life will be celebrated by family and close friends at a graveside service to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Saturday, the 9th of August, at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road in Houston.
In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions in Dede’s name may be directed to the charity of one’s choice.
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