Ann "Buffy" C. Campbell

Ann C. “Buffy” Campbell passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 25th at Stonegates in Wilmington, Delaware. She was 98 years old.

Buffy, whose maiden name was also Campbell, was born on August 5, 1921 in Milton, Massachusetts to Malcolm D. and Emeline Evans Campbell. She graduated from Milton Academy in 1939, and Wellesley College in 1943.  During World War II, she joined the women’s naval reserve, the WAVES, rising to the rank of Lieutenant J.G., specializing in communications cryptology.

She was married to U.S. Marine John B. “Johnny” Campbell II on February 11, 1944 just prior to his being dispatched to Iwo Jima.  Upon his return in 1946, they settled in Salem, New Jersey, where Johnny went to work at his family’s business, flooring manufacturer Mannington Mills, Inc.

A staunch believer in the value of a good education, Buffy became involved in the Mannington Township School Board where she served for 13 years. During her tenure she helped build an integrated school, replacing nine separate schoolhouses scattered throughout the rural township. She also was a board member at Woodland Country Day School and gave generously of her time as a Girl Scout leader, Red Cross “grey lady” and with the First Presbyterian Church of Salem.

Among her loving circle of family and friends, Buffy will be remembered as a devoted mother, compassionate caregiver, thoughtful friend and the “Matriarch of Mannington Mills”.

Buffy was predeceased by her husband, John B. Campbell, II, who passed away in 1998. She is survived by her children Joan (Bob) Eliot, Carolyn (Martin) Brown, Laura Campbell, and Keith (Shirley) Campbell; grandchildren Zachary (Jill) Zehner, Lucas (Lacy) Zehner, Brentt (Elizabeth) Brown, Jenalyn Brown, Andrew (Amelia) Smith, Thomas (Alena) Smith, John (Lauren) Campbell, Christopher (Candice) Campbell, and Kimberley (Chris) Jackson, and 19 great grandchildren.

There will be a visitation on Friday, October 4, 2019, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., and a memorial service on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at 11 a.m. Both will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Salem, 88 Market Street, Salem NJ 08079. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Lighthouse Ministry, a ministry for youth development in Salem (NJ).  Contributions may be sent to: Lighthouse Ministry c/o First Presbyterian Church of Salem, 88 Market Street, Salem NJ 08079.

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