Cora Ellen "Kay" Campbell

Cora Ellen (Kay) Sims Campbell, 96, of Paint Rock, Texas, passed away peacefully on April 24, 2024, in Ballinger, Texas. Her boundless energy and cheerful spirit were contagious, and she undoubtedly left this world better than she found it.

Kay was born on August 12, 1927, in Ballinger, Texas, to Ellen (Hartgrove) and Benjamin Sims. She lost her father at a young age and learned the importance of optimism and a strong work ethic through the example of her mother, who was left to support four young children during the Great Depression.

Kay served in many roles throughout her life and excelled in all of them. She graduated from Paint Rock High School as valedictorian at the age of 16. She then attended Texas Christian University, graduating in 1946, and was only a few hours short of completing her master’s degree. Kay married her childhood sweetheart, Fred Campbell, on July 3, 1950, and they were blessed with two sons, Bill and Scott.

Kay had a natural ability to teach and influence others and spent over 30 years as a much-loved teacher of Spanish, Art, English, and elementary classes. During that time, she won many awards and built many lasting relationships with her students and colleagues. She still corresponded with many of them into her 90s. She also served as a Cub Scout leader for her two sons, volunteered as a Sunday School teacher at the Paint Rock First United Methodist Church for many years, and was a talented artist.

In retirement, Kay dedicated her life to teaching people about the Native American pictographs found on the family ranch in Paint Rock. Even into her 90s, she guided frequent tours, often in the bitter cold winter or blazing hot Texas summers. Her incredible strength, energy, and optimism allowed her to share the amazing stories left in the pictographs with thousands of people, including many children on school field trips. She loved sharing the history of the area with others and also found great joy in meeting tourists from all over the world. Kay and Fred were featured in numerous publications and television programs over the years and were recognized by the Concho Valley Archeological Society for their work in preserving and teaching about the pictographs. Kay also received a Women of Distinction Award from the Girl Scouts of Central Texas in 2013.

In addition to her many professional and personal achievements, Kay always made her family a priority. Her sons and grandchildren knew that she would do anything and everything in her power to help the family under any circumstance. Her unwavering faith, positive outlook, and unconditional love made her the person they turned to when in need of advice on just about anything. She was their biggest cheerleader and rock in times of trouble.

While her accomplishments are impressive, perhaps her most admirable quality was her impeccable character. Kay had a wonderful way with people and never met a stranger. She was humble, selfless, patient, and kind. She had so much to be proud of, but never boasted about her accomplishments. She was a leader, a motivator, a teacher, and a friend. She radiated God’s love and shined as an exemplary example of the Christian faith.

Kay was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Fred; her parents; her brothers, Dunlap Sims, Ben Sims, and Bill Sims; and her son, Scott.

She is survived by her son Bill and wife Judy; grandchildren, Augustus Campbell and wife Michelle, Jill Campbell Reed and husband Luke, John Campbell, Steven Campbell and wife Haley, and Doug Clark and wife Becky; great-grandchildren, Evie and Simon Campbell, Sophie and Scarlett Reed, Rollins and Caroline Campbell, and Doran Fee; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 4, at 3:00 pm, at the Paint Rock Community Church.

The family would like to thank the many people who showered Kay with love and support over the last several months of her life, especially Sue Ann Setzler, Billy and Danell Sims, and Robyn and Michael Lockett; Terry Waller; Marcia and Stephen Watson; Dr. Bradly Bundrant and the staff at Ballinger Memorial Hospital, Ballinger Healthcare & Rehab Center, and Ballinger Home Health & Hospice. You brought her great comfort and joy, and you have been a blessing to her and to the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Paint Rock Community Church or Ballinger Home Health & Hospice in Kay’s honor.