Shirley Ann Campbell

Shirley Ann Campbell was born March 10, 1951, at Galesburg Cottage Hospital in Galesburg, Illinois, the daughter of Robert Earl Campbell Sr. and Beulah Elizabeth (Eaker) Campbell. She was raised in Galesburg, where she attended Galesburg High School and later pursued college studies at Carl Sandburg College.

Shirley was very intelligent and academically driven, known for her sharp mind and curiosity. She had clear plans and aspirations to continue her education, with plans to attend an IBM college or Southern Illinois University (SIU). Her future held promise, ambition, and purpose.

She was employed as a hospital worker and was admired for her work ethic, quiet determination, and caring nature. Shirley possessed a gentle spirit and a warm loving presence. Finding joy in music, family gatherings, and shared laughter. She loved dancing and listening to music, particularly Marvin Gaye, whose songs often filled the room during family time and celebrations. Above all, she was deeply devoted to her loved ones and cherished being a mother to her only child, Evette Renee (Campbell) Heard, carrying herself with grace well beyond her years.

On December 12, 1973, Shirley Ann Campbell passed away unexpectedly in Galesburg, Illinois, at the age of 22. Though her life was tragically brief, her impact has remained strong and deeply felt through generations.

She is survived by her beloved one and only daughter, Evette Renee (Campbell) Heard; her siblings, Naomi (Ollie Smith) Reidi, Estella (Elmus Wallace) Campbell, of Galesburg and Sharon (Moses) Joubert of Louisiana; Leon (Mary Ann) Campbell and Stanley “Hack” Campbell, of Galesburg; Grandchildren, Daonna Heard and Deasia Heard of Galesburg, 3 great-grandchildren, Jamias Travis, Rainee Travis, and X’Mylah Heard, all of Galesburg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Robert Earl Campbell Jr. and Raymond Eugene Campbell Sr.; her sister, Darlene Elizabeth Campbell; nephews, Kevin Campbell, Shantah Campbell, young nephews Trae Ramage and Kavontae Campbell. Niece Denise Smith, and most recently niece Tykeisha Campbell of whom shared a special bond with Evette.

To her family, Shirley is remembered as a loving presence whose spirit continues to surround those she loved. It brings comfort to her siblings and daughter to believe that she watches over all of them, lovingly embracing those who have joined her, and protecting them with the same care she showed in life.

Though many years passed without a written tribute, Shirley was never forgotten. She is remembered with love, spoken of with pride, and held forever in the hearts of those who know she still watches over them.

Burial was at Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg, Illinois 12-15-1973

Shirley’s Granddaughter Daonna would like to express her deepest gratitude to all of her Great Aunts. When Shirley passed, they all stepped up with unwavering love, devotion, guidance, and strength to help Beulah and Robert raise her mother Evette. Shirley loved her siblings deeply, and that love has never faded.

Services
Burial

Linwood Cemetery
Main Street and Linwood Road
Galesburg, IL 61401

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