Mary Catherine Campbell

Mary Catherine “Cat” Campbell of Redwood, 93, passed away Wednesday, July 22nd. She was predeceased by the love of her life, husband, Carlton Campbell; her parents, S.T. and Mandy Lee Robertson; brothers, Jeffrey George, Jim Ed, Osborne, Fleming, Jessie and Lewis; Sisters, Lillie, Minnie, Julia Annie, Sally, Geneve, Lydia, Ebbie, Beula, Nannie, and Viola. Cat is survived by her niece, Margie Campbell Shaver, who was like her own child; and Margie’s daughters, Stephanie Bush, and Tammi Jewell, who were grandchildren to Cat, along with their spouses, Jim Shaver, Chris Bush, and Michael Jewell. She was more than an aunt to Bonnie Spradling (Bobby), Vickie Boyd (Rick), David Campbell (Robin), Jerry Campbell (Macie), Ricky Campbell, and Nancy Perdue (Richard). Cat’s large Robertson and Campbell family blessed her with many special in-laws, nieces and nephews. Cat is also survived by her extended family at South Roanoke Nursing Home where she was treated like a queen and loved like family. She was very proud of Carlton’s military service during World War II. She followed him across the country until he was deployed overseas. He fought in the South Pacific and was wounded by grenade shrapnel. He was flown back to the states to a military hospital in Texas. Her only contact with him was through letters. Cat was working for MW Manufacturers, a job she loved and retired from, the day Carlton came home. She said she was working near a window in the factory when she saw him walking across the railroad tracks. She dropped everything and ran out the door and across the tracks to meet him. He wanted to surprise her and had walked downtown to get a haircut so he would look his best. She always said it was the happiest day of her life. She loved flatfoot dancing. She and sister, Viola, would always be the first ones on the dance floor at family reunions. Being in a wheelchair later in life didn’t stop her. She would tap her feet, swing her arms, and sing along every time she heard bluegrass music. Her family was her life. Cat often told stories of her dad using cardboard to cut out impressions of each child’s foot to buy shoes. She talked about picking cotton with her brothers and sisters and cleaning house with her mother. But most of all, she loved to remember the long table in the kitchen where they would all gather for meals to laugh, talk, and fellowship. That love was returned by her family and friends. She was a giving, compassionate and classy lady, who will be sorely missed, but will never leave those who loved her so deeply. A celebration of her life will be held at the Rocky Mount location of Lynch Conner-Bowman Funeral Home at 2:00pm on Tuesday, July 28th with Dr. Jackie Spence officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6pm to 8pm Monday, the 27th at the funeral home, and at other times at the home of Margie Shaver, 4417 Huntmaster Circle, Roanoke Va. Arrangements by Lynch Conner Bowman Funeral Home, 140 Floyd Avenue, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 (540)483-5533