Josephine McKay McCampbell

Josephine McKay McCampbell, 88, of Watkinsville, Georgia, passed away September 1st, following a brief illness. Born in Clarendon, Arkansas August 2nd, 1930 to Robert James McKay and Josephine Vick McKay, Josie was the youngest and last of ten children who survived to adulthood.  She attended Clarendon High School where she was Homecoming Queen her Senior Year. She was the first woman of her family to graduate from college, receiving her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from what is now Texas Woman’s University in 1952.  During her first teaching job, in Corpus Christi, Texas, she met and subsequently married Harry C. McCampbell, a Corpus Christi native. She taught in several places as she moved with Harry around the South and overseas to Saudi Arabia. In addition to teaching, her passions included family genealogy, gardening, shopping, embroidery, travel, studying the Bible, and raising her children and grandchildren.

A life-long Methodist, she had been a member of Watkinsville First United Methodist Church since 1972.  She was Librarian for the church in the mid 1980's and continued to be an active member of her Sunday School Class and United Methodist Women into her 80’s.

She is survived by her husband, her two children, several in-laws, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, dozens of nieces and nephews, and hundreds of cousins.

Funeral arrangements are with Lord and Stephens funeral home, visitation will be at Oconee Chapel on Tuesday 9/4 from 6pm-8pm, service at Watkinsville First UMC at 2:30pm following a family-only internment on Wednesday 9/5.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Watkinsville First UMC or the charity of your choice.