Joyce (Cathey) Campbell

Joyce (Cathey) Campbell of Ballinger passed away Wednesday, May 28, 2008 at Runnels County Rehab and Nursing Center. She was 101.

Joyce was born August 27, 1906 in Ballinger to E. J. “Eb” and Mary (McKandless) Cathey. Her father owned a harness and leather shop in Ballinger. Her father’s family came from Tennessee after the Civil War and settled around Wingate, Texas. Her mother’s family moved to Runnels County from Saledo where James McKandless owned the Stage Coach Inn for a short time.

On February 5, 1935 Joyce married Hugh Rollin Campbell. Rollin was a rancher and raised registered Herefords. After their marriage, Joyce and Rollin lived at Paint Rock until 1945 when they purchased a ranch just north of Ballinger. They had two sons, Mark and Hugh III. Rollin died on January 15, 1984. Joyce spent twelve wonderful years at the Rio Concho Manor in San Angelo where she developed many treasured friendships. A special part of her years at Rio Concho Manor centered on the Business Men’s Bible Class.

A housewife and mother by choice, Joyce lived a long and full life. She loved music and played the piano and organ in church and Sunday School throughout her life. For 60 plus years she taught Sunday School in the First Baptist Church in Ballinger and at Park Heights Baptist Church in San Angelo. She was a current member of Glen Meadows Baptist Church in San Angelo.

Her relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was the most important part of her life. Next came her family, followed by a host of friends. During her active years, she constantly did things for others whether cooking, visiting or praying for others. Her three grandsons, Jonathan, Ladd and Skip, provided her with years of joy. The Lord allowed her the years to know and love her six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Rollin, and her son, Mark. She is survived by son, Hugh Campbell III and wife, Suzanne, of San Angelo; and daughter-in-law, Barbara Campbell of Stockdale. Grandsons include Jonathan Campbell and wife, Margie, of Sequin along with their daughters, Megan and Courtney; Ladd Campbell and wife, Kris, of Chandler, Arizona and their children, Garrett and Alexa; and Rollin Edwin “Skip” Campbell and wife, Kelly, of Katy and their sons, Avery and Colby. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.

The family wishes to thank the entire staff of Runnels County Rehab and Nursing Center for their care during the past six years. Words cannot express the friendship and support they have given both Joyce and the family.

A graveside service for Joyce Campbell will be Saturday, May 31 at 2:30 p.m. at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Ballinger conducted by Rev. Mack Roller, pastor of Glen Meadows Baptist Church, and long time friend, Carroll Duke, of Gatesville. There will be a time of visitation from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Lange Funeral Home prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to Carnegie Public Library in Ballinger, or to the Building Fund at Glen Meadows Baptist Church, 6002 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, Texas.