Obituary of Kathryn C. Campbell

On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, God called our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother to her heavenly home. Kathryn Carmellous Campbell, daughter of the late Ellsworth and Francis Goldsborough was born in Englewood, NJ on August 18, 1928.

 At a young age, Kathryn and her family moved from Englewood, NJ to Newark, NJ; where Kathryn graduated from West Side High School in 1947. After high school, her family moved to East Orange, NJ. Kathryn had initially planned to obtain a degree in mortuary science and worked for Bambergers (predecessor to Macy’s) Department store in Newark, NJ to pay for school. Kathryn reaped the rewards of financial freedom and purchased herself a brand-new red convertible car. It was around this time that Kathryn met her future husband and placed her mortuary school plans on hold. On September 22, 1956, Kathryn married the love of her life, Philip Allen Campbell, Sr. and they resided in East Orange, NJ for over 50 years. From their union, Philip and Kathryn had three children, Carol, Karen and Philip, Jr.

In 1973, after many years of being a homemaker, Kathryn became employed as an administrative assistant at Wells Fargo Bank (formerly Fidelity Bank) located in East Orange, NJ. She was promoted to the position of Financial Service Representative until retiring in 1993. Throughout her banking career, Kathryn became the epitome of downhome friendly customer service to all of the bank’s customers.

Kathryn and Philip resided in East Orange, NJ for over 50 years and became stellar community activists for the city. After her husband’s passing in 2009, Kathryn moved to Hightstown, NJ, to live closer to her children. Kathryn was a faithful member of Bethany Baptist Church for over 80 years. During her membership, Kathryn sang on the choir, worked with the clothing closet ministry and was a member of numerous church committees. She especially enjoyed being a member of the Women’s League. She would always remind her children that Bethany Baptist Church was her home.

Kathryn was passionate about her family and friends. She loved her family dearly and often showed that love through her extraordinary culinary skills. Family and friends knew that when you paid her a visit, you’d leave with a belly filled with a delicious meal and dessert, and more times than not, also have a doggie bag to take home.

Kathryn is predeceased by her husband, Philip A. Campbell, Sr.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Marjorie and Rev. Dr. James Wilmer Elbert, Pauline Goldsborough, Viola and Dr. Andrew Morris, Ophelia and John Sconier; grandson, David Rice; and son-in-law, Earl F. Phillips.

She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Carol Phillips and Karen Campbell; son, Philip A. Campbell, Jr. (Zenaida); four grandchildren, Michelle Davis (Laville), Kyle Phillips, Philip A. Campbell, III and Courteney Campbell; great granddaughter, Cameron Davis; brother-in-law, Milton Campbell, caretakers Patience, Comfort and Selina, and a host of nephews, nieces, and relatives.