Hilda M. Campbell

A very industrious young women, she helped maintain the household. She later moved to Kingston with her older sister Inez. They settled in Newton Square, Kingston, and with the help of their Uncle Solomon Gordon.

She met and married Michael Augustus Campbell, and had one daughter, Margaret. To support the family, as her husband work hard at the J. Wray & Nephew Factory, Hilda sought employment as a caretaker. Over the years, she worked with several prominent families and made connections that have lasted a lifetime.

In the early 60’s, Hilda migrated to New York to continue to support her family. While working as a caretaker for families in Westchester, New York, she pursued her certification in cosmetology. Upon receiving her certification, she returned to Kingston and opened her own hair salon, which she operated for many years.

In 1968, Hilda returned to New York with securing a better future for her daughter in mind. She returned to her skills as a caretaker and was eventually joined in New York by her daughter to pursue the American Dream.

Hilda worked hard and always had her family in mind. When her granddaughter was born, she took time from her work outside the home to take care of her. As Christine grew, Hilda would take smaller caretaking jobs, but would always ensure that she was there to be a doting grandmother. This doting spirit extended to her great-grandson, Bryce, and included many nights of watching Nick Jr.

Hilda had a reserved spirit. She would often sit and read her bible and sing songs throughout the day. When she was not in deep reflection, Hilda could be found doing what she knew best, working. It was very hard to get her to just sit and relax if there were things to be done in the house. Up to the time she took ill, she would take multiple trips up and down 2-flights of stairs to ensure the chores were done.

Hilda lived a life of service and compassion. She was no stranger to self-sacrifice and the accomplishments of her family are a testament to this.

Hilda leaves to mourn her daughter, Margaret; granddaughter and grandson-in-law, Christine and Winston Johnson; and great-grandson Bryce and Zaidyn Johnson; sister, Eleth Smith (Canada); brother, Lester Smith (Jamaica); nieces and nephews; grandnieces and grandnephews; other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her husband, Michael; and sister, Inez Morris-McKnight.

Rest in sweet peace until the Trumpet of the Lord shall sound.

Job 19:25-25 For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth. And after my skin has been thus destroyed, yet in my flesh I shall see God