Barbara Gray Campbell

Barbara Irene (Cushway) Gray Campbell passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Sunday, April 24th, 2022. She was 93. She was preceded in death by her husband of 14 years, George Hallmark Campbell.

Barbara was born on March 27, 1929 in London, England to Walter and Hilda Cushway. She grew up in England’s rural countryside, spending her childhood amongst farm animals, going to the movies with her best friend, Myra, and playing with her cousin, Emlyn, while visiting her Welsh relatives in Pontnewydd, Wales. Her bucolic life was forever changed with the onset of World War II. Mom spoke often of the war years: the stoicism that was demanded, the deprivation that was endured, the camaraderie that bonded childhood friends who weathered those difficult years beside her. Mom’s storytelling included so many vivid details of her many memories we often felt as though we’d been given a front row seat to history.

Thanks to an American sponsor, Barbara emigrated with her parents to the states in November 1947, sailing through the Port of New Orleans and settling in Neptune Beach, Florida. She later met and married Major John T. Gray, a midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy (Class of ’55). Together, they had three children and moved 15 times during their 14 year marriage, criss-crossing the nation with the Marine Corps. Mom loved being a mother and became an impressive organizer and overseer, frequently caring for her children alone while Dad was stationed overseas and in Vietnam. Those strengths would prove to serve her well, as the couple divorced in 1970.

At 40, Mom reentered the workforce, becoming a secretary and at age 50, earning an associate’s degree in women’s studies from St. Petersburg Junior College in Clearwater, Florida. She served the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) for 20 years and with her counseling, writing and copy-editing skills, proved to be a valuable asset to each minister for whom she worked.

She also found love again, marrying George H. Campbell in April 2000 at the age 70. Their joyful union reminded us that love is not reserved for the young but rather the young at heart. When not working in the garden or attending church, they traveled extensively, eventually knitting together their wide circle of friends.

An avid needlewoman, Mom sewed clothes, created queen-sized quilts and made banners for the churches she served. She was an enthusiastic reader, writer, traveler and Scrabble player. Her impressive range of knowledge (encyclopedic in our young minds) earned her the nickname “Mother Britannica.” Mom was also an empathetic listener and nurtured many lifelong friendships. She was known for giving her unvarnished opinion as she believed in facing life head-on.

While proud to be an American, Mother never abandoned her British roots. She corresponded with her Welsh cousins to keep abreast of family news and enjoyed her cup of tea and shortbread at 4 o’clock each afternoon. Her passing fell on the Greek Orthodox Easter Sunday. Mom would have so appreciated that she was called home by her Lord on this most sacred and hope-filled day. She loved extravagantly and was loved by many in return.

Barbara Campbell is survived by her three children: Jane (Gray) Schneider (Tom), Peter Gray (Susan) and Ian Gray (Cheryl); three stepdaughters: Ann Cambell Cripps, Lee Campbell Hansen (Butch), and Jane Campbell (Heather); six grandchildren: Jenna, Evan, Chris, Nathan, Aimee and Brandon; seven great-grandchildren and countless friends.

A celebration of Barbara's life will be held at Faith United Church of Christ, 1650 Pinehurst St., Dunedin, Florida 34698 on Saturday, May 21, at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers or cards, please make a donation to Children International. If you would do an act of kindness for another, you will honor Barbara's memory.