J. Virginia Campbell, 84, of Peoria, formerly of East Moline, passed away at 6:35 p.m. on Wednesday, January 20, 2010, at OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
Virginia was born in Peoria on July 2, 1925, a daughter of Emanual and Minnie (Achterberg) Mathews. She married Austin F. “Ott” Campbell on December 21, 1942 in Hanna City. He preceded her in death in 1970 in Peoria. She was also preceded in death by her parents; son, Valie D. Campbell; and two brothers, John and George Mathews.
She is survived by her children, Allan (Susan) Campbell of Germantown Hills, Pamela (John) Dean of East Moline, John (Kyong) Campbell of Mapleton, Frank (Sue) Campbell of Sparland and Toni (Gary) Bybee of Peoria; fifteen grandchildren; forty great grandchildren; seven great-great grandchildren; and brother, Jim (Millie) Mathews of Creve Coeur.
Virginia attended Christian Assembly Church in Peoria and was a past member of the VFW Post 8662 Women’s Auxiliary in Peoria. She retired in 1995, after twenty years of service, from OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria. She was also in the Fellowship of the Black Arrow through the Salvation Army.
She enjoyed crocheting, baking, shopping, watching “Days of Our Lives”, playing solitaire on her computer and wintering in Florida. She liked listening to Barry Manilow and Big Band music, especially “Stardust”. She also enjoyed collecting recipes, pictures…and grandchildren.
Virginia’s family was the most important thing in her life and she loved to cook and bake for them. She was the glue that held them all together and was always there for anyone. She will be remembered for her proud, but humble nature; for being very giving; for being strongly opinionated; and for believing the power of daily prayer.
Funeral services will be at noon on Saturday, January 23, 2010, at the Christian Assembly Church, 521 NE Monroe Street, in Peoria, with the Reverend Terry Goode officiating. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, prior to services at the church. Interment will be in Apple Cemetery in Lewistown. Memorial contributions may be made in Virginia’s memory to the Peoria Salvation Army.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Clary Funeral Home, 428 West McClure Avenue, in Peoria.
