Virginia Johnson Rankin Campbell was born in Columbia, MS on July 31, 1925. Her parents were Garland Howard Rankin and Beulah Johnson Rankin. She attended high school in Columbia where she was Miss Columbia High School and head majorette. Later she graduated from Belhaven College in Jackson, MS.
While in Jackson, she met her future husband, Joseph Cooper Campbell, Jr. They were married October 20, 1948 and had 47 happy years together. She and Cooper were both very active members of First Presbyterian Church in Jackson. Virginia taught Sunday school for many years, was a circle leader, head of Vacation Bible School one year, and served on the Helping Hands and Caring Hearts committee for many years. She really felt that her ministry was visitation…of hospital, nursing homes and shut-ins.
Virginia was a member for a prayer group of ladies that met every Tuesday and prayed for friends, family and national concerns for over 40 years. This meant so much to her!
Virginia was a lady of many interests. She belonged to several luncheon clubs, bridge clubs and the Junior League of Jackson. She enjoyed Auburn football, Atlanta Braves baseball, the International Ballet, New Stage, the Symphony, gardening and fishing.
Virginia is survived by three children: Judy Campbell Kimball and her husband Pierre III in Atlanta, GA and their son Pierre IV and his wife Samantha; Fidelia Campbell Taylor and her husband Michael in Madison, MS, and their son Michael and his wife Ashley; and son J. Cooper Campbell III in Madison, MS and his daughter Courtney.
Funeral services will be 11:00am Wednesday October 6, 2021 at First Presbyterian Church of Jackson preceded by visitation from 10am-11am. A Graveside Service will be 9:00am Wednesday at Parkway Memorial Cemetery in Ridgeland.
Memorials can be sent to Reformed Theological Seminary, Belhaven College, First Presbyterian Church, or French Camp Academy.
