Ethel G. Campbell

Born December 30, 1910

Died

September 26, 2014

On December 26, 2014 Ethel gained her angel wings, finally after many years reuniting with her beloved family in heaven. Ethel lived a long and prosperous life, accomplishing more than most, contributing many years to sharing her passion for books and teaching young children to love to read. As the saying goes “If you can read this thank a teacher” That message has never been more personified than in Ethel’s life and her years of work as a Librarian.

Ethel loved to read, she loved the church, and she loved her family hosting many gathering.

Ethel was born in 1910 in a hospital in Pearisburg Va. Her family was living in Byllsby West Virginia at the time, but shortly into her life moved to Narrow Virginia where she was raised along with her older sister Hazel.

Hazel and Ethel were inseparable. When she was four years old a new school what established, they didn’t have enough students so off to school she went with her sister and the other children in Narrows.

Stories told, she was so little the boys had to carry her to school, as it was too long a walk for such a tiny little girl.

Growing up in Narrows Ethel’s family was very close, during her childhood Ethel would get together after church on Sundays for family dinners, visiting close friends and playing with cousins.

Entering school at a very young aged proved to be right thing to do , as she graduated high school at the tender age of 15 a year ahead of her older sister.

After High School Ethel went off to Marshall College in W. Va earning a teaching certificate.

By the age of 16 Ethel was teaching school in a one room school house in Giles county Va. Not wanting to have both girls away Ethel’s parents beckoned her home when Hazel went to college.

During her young adult life Ethel worked for 11 years at the Celanese Plant as a Chemist.

In 1938 Ethel earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from the University of Virginia. Ethel was very happy to be hired by Narrows High School as the schools Librarian, returning to what she loved most.

In 1958 Ethel earned her Master of Arts in Library Science from the George Peabody College for teachers. Now commonly more known as Vanderbilt. It was during her attendance there that she joined the Delta, Kappa, Gamma Society where she remained an active member attending meeting well into her 90’s.

After graduating Vanderbilt, she applied for and receiving many offers for head Librarian jobs in schools in the South East.

At the age of 47 settling on an elementary school in Pompano Beach, Ethel set out on her own travelling to Florida to begin her new life in the Sunshine state as a head Librarian here.

She lived on the beach and rented a room until she saved enough money to purchase her house on 2nd Ave.

Within a few years after spending winters in Florida her Mother Bessie, and Sister Hazel joined her permanently.

During their many years together in Florida they all lived a very active and happy life, faithfully attending Trinity United Methodist church on Sundays followed by hosting or attending many family gatherings.

In addition to entertaining, Ethel also loved to travel, and so she enjoyed many years in her early retirement going to elder hostels with her friend Opal. When asked what was her favorite trip was she said she like South American the best.

For the past 15 years Ethel has called John Knox village Home. She enjoyed playing cards on Saturdays with her friends Dorothy, Opal, and occasionally her cousins Sue and Ginger would join in the fun.

As Ethel aged she moved into the Assisted Living unit at JKV and continued to enjoy visit from her cousins Sue and Ginger.

Ethel’s later years were enriched by the people around her who took such good care of her.

Some of those people I will loving refer to “Team Ethel” which consisted of her dedicated staff and friends Ann Harrison, Allan Polly and Rich Bernstein. Their efforts unburdened Ethel and the family by handling all her affairs. Their dedication to ensuring her every need was met,gave Ethel the much needed and deserved peace and security in the twilight of her years.

Her life was truly extended due in a big part to the great care she received at JKV , in particular from her nurses’ aides Dania, Lorea, Wilcia, Patricia, Jennifer, Pascale, and Trudy who was by her side when she passed.

She was a great lady a beloved family member and she will be missed very much

.

Arrangements under the direction of Kraeer Funeral Home and Cremation Center, Pompano Beach, FL.