DEBRA JO CAMPBELL

On November 8, 2007 Debra J. Campbell left this earth to spend eternity in heaven. She was born Oct. 12, 1961 in Dallas, Texas (go Cowboys!) the daughter of James R. and Alice M. Finley Summers.

Debbie was only forty-six years old when she left this earth, but what a run she had. Only Debbie could touch so many people's lives with such an impact. She spent twenty-two years in retail, until ill health took her out of the workforce.

Debbie will leave a very empty spot in many people's heart. She never had biological children but she was a second mother to her nieces, nephews and stepchildren.

There was absolutely nothing normal about Debbie Jo. She was the kind of person that life threw a lot of hard balls at, and yet she never let it turn her bitter. Instead she met all the challenges head on and never felt sorry for herself, always looking out to see if there was something she could do for someone else. Debbie brought a sense of humor to any situation and put herself last in everything she did. Her life was an example to us that knew her of how to be the best you can be and because of her we are all better individuals.

She married Roger Campbell on June 17, 1995. He survives. She also leaves behind two sisters, Peggy Orr and her husband Bruce and Karen Williams and her fiance' John Clark; a brother, Mike Summers; a stepdaughter Angie Mason and her husband Nick; and a stepson Allan Campbell. Most obituaries now read several nieces and nephews, but these were like her kids so she wanted them named too; James Williams, Jason Williams, Jessica Linenfelser and her husband Eric, Nathan Orr, Evie Clark and Mary Beth Clark. Then there were her step grandchildren Ashley Freese and Cadon Mason; and her great nieces and great nephews, whom she thought of as her grandchildren, Jack Linenfelser, Audrey Linenfelser, James Williams and Taylor Williams.

Debbie was one of the most caring and giving persons we knew. She took great joy in bringing joy to others. There was nothing she wouldn't do for you and never looked at anyone with a judgmental eye. Even in her last weeks on this earth she left behind instructions and letters to help friends and family get through. That was Debbie Jo, always looking out for others. She wanted us to be sure she had on socks, because her feet always got cold. Debbie we will do as you wished, but you won't need those to walk streets of gold.

The world has lost a champion and a true heart of gold. Her parents preceded her in death, but she left us a note telling us they met her at the gate. So until we see each other again, Debbie just know that you were our true champion, our shining example of how we should be and we thank God for allowing us to be a part of your life. You gave us enough love to keep going until we hold each other again.

Funeral services will be held Monday morning at 10:00 in the Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home by the Rev. Gary Schluckebier. Burial will be in Greenmount Cemetery.

Visitation will be Sunday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. and Monday until the time of services at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to the family of Debbie Jo Campbell.