Alberta Elizabeth Menees Campbell "Bette"

"Bette" - "Miema"

With profound sorrow and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Alberta Elizabeth (Bette) Menees Campbell, who departed this life on August 26, 2024, in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Born on September 6, 1923, in Nashville, TN, Bette's life was a testament to faith, love, and enduring grace.

Bette was born to George Thomas Menees and Alberta Milliron Menees. Her paternal lineage boasted a distinguished legacy, with her great-grandfather, Dr. Thomas Menees, being the first Dean of Vanderbilt Medical School. Dr. Menees played a crucial role in the merging of the University of Nashville and Vanderbilt University thus creating Vanderbilt Medical School. Bette fondly remembered her great-grandmother, Mary Jane Walker Menees, who lived with her family and reached the age of 102. Her father, George, frequently took the family to the cemetery for Sunday visits, often accompanied by picnics, creating lasting memories of her childhood in Nashville.

Bette’s early education began at Peabody Demonstration School and Palmer School in Nashville. In 1932, her family moved to Hollywood, FL, due to her mother’s health, where Bette attended Hollywood Central School and later South Broward High School, where she excelled academically and enjoyed dance and cheerleading. Her life took a new turn when she married her childhood sweetheart, Richard Campbell, and together they navigated the challenges of wartime (World War II) with Richard serving in the Navy and stationed in Rhode Island.

The Campbells’ post-war years were built on a life rich with five children and serving her community in Hollywood, Florida. Their home on Harrison Street in Hollywood was a hub of family life, hosting many celebrations and cherished gatherings.

Bette’s professional life included a focus in real estate and insurance alongside her husband. Bette’s personal endeavors included her focus on Race for Life, Children’s Home Society, American Cancer Society, Nova Circle and many other charities and organizations.

Bette’s spiritual journey was deeply rooted in her Christian faith, reflected in her favorite Bible passages: Philippians 4:13, Isaiah 41:10, Isaiah 41:31, Psalm 91, Psalm 23, and Galatians 5:22-24. She was an active founding member of Sheridan Hills Baptist Church in Hollywood since 1979, singing in the choir for over 30 years and spreading the love of Christ through her music and faith. Her heart was devoted to her church and formed lifelong friendships centered on their shared faith.

Bette's love for travel was also matched by her passion for her Christian faith. She made several pilgrimages to Israel (with her church), with Jerusalem being her favorite destination, and enjoyed travels across Europe and beyond.

Bette is preceded by her late husband Richard Rayfield Campbell, three children, Richard Cambell Jr., Candee McKenzie, Kathryn Breeding Murphy, siblings, all family and friends who have passed on.

Bette is survived by her daughter, Bethany Campbell Lease, her son, Richard Campbell, and her four grandchildren: Cathryn Jane Nelson, James Breeding III, Elizabeth Jane Rickman (Wes Rickman- husband, Great-grandchildren Sean McCool, Daniel McCool, and Anna Rickman), and Michael Lease (Great-grandchildren Maverick, Lily, and Liam Lease).

She was a “Beauty” inside and out - But always said her daddy told her, “Beauty is skin deep- It's what you are inside that counts.” Her children gave her much love and respect all of the time and she said how blessed the Lord has always been to her. Her many friends and loving family will miss her but KNOW they will see her when they “Step on shore and find it's heaven - Touch a Hand and know it's God.”

She will be remembered as a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a cherished friend, a woman of immense faith and character. Bette’s life was a reflection of Christian virtues, and her legacy will live on in the hearts of those she touched. She was truly a beacon of light and made a huge impact on everyone she met. She will be remembered by her stunning beauty and her grace to match. She was a wonderful role model to all.

Bette’s final wish was to return to her Nashville roots. She will be interred at Mount Olivet Cemetery, buried at the foot of her great-grandfather Dr. Thomas Menees and grandmother, Elizabeth Menees (whom she is named after) and a place of deep significance to her and her family’s heritage.

A celebration of Bette’s life will be held in the future months, and her memory will be lovingly cherished by all who knew her. Her family and friends will miss her deeply but find comfort in the assurance of her eternal peace with her Lord and Savior.

In the words of her favorite hymns, she is now in her heavenly “Home”, where she will continue to sing the praises of the Lord she loved so dearly. Her legacy is a testament of Christian faith, emanating the Lord and being a light-unto the world which will continue to live on with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.

Bette M. “ Miema” is Finally Home, guided by her love for her lifelong scripture verse:

Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

A graveside service for Alberta will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 1:00 PM to 1:30 PM at Mount Olivet Funeral Home & Cemetery, 1101 LEBANON PIKE, NASHVILLE, TN 37210.