Ms. Rachel Mae Campbell

May 24, 1954 - May 29, 2019

Rachel Mae Campbell was one of 11 children born to Robert Lee Sr. and Henrietta Campbell on May 24, 1954 in Inverness, Mississippi. Rachel was about 4 years old when the family moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan, were she spent most of her early years. She was always sensitive yet showed an unwavering boldness when confronted with life’s issues. She was known to suck her thumb for comfort and be ready to fight when she felt attacked. Rachel grew up fast in the shadow of her older brothers and sisters, and loved many of the same things they did, like reading, music, partying, and later on involvement in the civil rights movement, the military and education. Growing up in the 60s and 70s was a tumultuous time. People were fighting for equal rights, many were protesting the war in Vietnam, and the drug epidemic hit the community very hard. It was during this time that Rachel gave birth to two children, Marcus and Toni. Furthering her education, she attended Malcolm X College. There she started her studies to become a Chemical Dependency Counselor. She learned how life worked while she strived for a better life. Being a single mother, Rachel joined the military. She served in the Air Force, training and achieving more. At the same time, she showed her children what could be done. In 1981 times changed, and she changed. She relocated to Minnesota, where she strived to complete her education. She made new friends and found a place that she enjoyed. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services from Minneapolis Metropolitan State University. Rachel pursued her calling in life by mentoring drug-addicted and physically/sexually abused women. She was also a gifted speaker and licensed counselor. She followed in the footsteps of her idol, Angela Davis. Rachel walked and talked of her love of God, family and community. She was so very proud of her children and grandchildren who were her joy. Rachel did not change much through the years; she was a comforter and fighter all the days of her life. In her passing, she joined her parents and four siblings in death. She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Marcus (Joann) Campbell; a daughter, Toni (Raymond) White; five grandchildren, Niquela, JeMarc, Brianna, Brandi, Savannah; two great grandchildren; a brother, Larry Campbell of Battle Creek; five sisters, Mary Helen Campbell, Mamie (Rick) Campbell, and Loretta Campbell-Bates all of Kalamazoo; Barbara Bradley (Randy) of Georgia, and Rebecca (Randy) Campbell Spaulding of Florida; a special aunt, Mary Stredrick, and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.