Ruby Jean Campbell

Reflections on Life
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted. Ecclesiastes 3:1-2

A Time to Be Born
Ruby Jordan Williams Campbell, a devoted wife, mother, and woman of unwavering faith, transitioned from time into eternity on June 13th at Colonel Glenn Nursing & Rehab. She was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on August 1, 1948, to the late Nona Jordan and George Williams. Ruby was raised in a lively and loving household with eight siblings, her mother, and her stepfather, Ed Talley. During her youth, Ruby accepted Christ as her Savior under the leadership of Pastor H. E. Deadmon. As with all of Nona’s children, church attendance was nonnegotiable — and Ruby embraced it wholeheartedly. Whether it was Sunday School, Tuesday Mission, Wednesday Prayer Meeting, Baptist Training Union, or traveling to 2:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. services, Ruby was there with a willing spirit and a joyful heart.

A Time to Plant (Naturally)
Ruby graduated from Sweet Home High School in 1966 and later enrolled in the nursing program at University of Arkansas at Little Rock. She nearly completed her studies before relocating to Milwaukee with her spouse, Alphonso Burks Jr., where her son, the late Alphonso Burks III, was born. Ruby and Al eventually returned to Little Rock, where she worked and cared for her son until she met the love of her life. On December 17, 1970, she married Johnnie Campbell, and together they moved to Missouri. Their daughter, Consuelo, was born to this union. During their 15 years in the St. Louis area, Ruby also helped raise her preteen stepsons, Kenny Ray and Curtis Campbell. After Johnnie’s retirement — and with a gentle nudge from her mother — the family returned to Little Rock. Ruby began her career with the American Red Cross, where her dedication, compassion, and strong work ethic quickly shined. She rose through the ranks and made history as the first Black supervisor of the traveling Blood Mobile Team — a testament to her excellence and her commitment to serving others. Ruby was a beloved member of the Red Cross family, known for her kindness, steady encouragement, and the joyful spirit she brought into every room. She was especially known for playing her inspirational gospel music while she worked — melodies that lifted spirits, brought comfort, and filled even the busiest days with peace and hope. To Ruby, coworkers were more than colleagues — they were family. She formed especially close bonds with Laura Lee, Janice Grigsby, and Arthur McDade, friendships that became lifelong treasures. After 30 years of devoted service, she retired in 2010, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, leadership, and a life lived in service to others. Her impact continues in the countless lives she touched and the example she set.

A Time to Plant (Spiritually)
Ruby was firmly rooted in her faith as a lifelong member of Longley Baptist Church. While living in St. Louis, she continued her walk with Christ under watch care at Antioch Baptist Church. Upon returning to Little Rock, she remained a devoted servant at Longley, faithfully participating in Sunday School, the Medical Ministry, the Inspirational Choir, and the Pioneers at Longley (PALS). Her life reflected a heart planted in God’s Word, and the seeds of love and encouragement she sowed continue to bless all who knew her.

A Time to Enjoy Life
Ruby believed in looking her best and feeling her best. She loved getting her hair and nails done with her daughter, Connie — moments filled with laughter, conversation, and motherdaughter joy. She also enjoyed shopping at her favorite stores: TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Sam’s Club, where she always found something that delighted her. She often went on these shopping outings and out-of-town church conferences with her sisters and friends. She loved visiting her husband’s family in Water Valley, Mississippi, whether it was for a family reunion or just a weekend getaway. Although she did not have biological grandchildren, Ruby lovingly “adopted” Jada and CJ Crusterson as her own. She cherished spending time with them — attending ball games, going on
vacations, and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And just as her mother did with her, Ruby made sure they were right by her side at church, planting the same seeds of faith that had
shaped her own life.

A Time to Die
Those who went before her include her beloved husband, Johnnie Campbell, and her son, Alphonso “Al” Burks III. She was also preceded in death by her maternal siblings: Letoria
Winters, Artelia Williams, Shirley Brown, Charles Jordan, and Joseph Jordan; and by her fraternal siblings: Jessica Williams, Maebell Glason, and Phillip Williams. Ruby leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Consuelo Campbell; She is also survived by her maternal sisters: Rita O’Donald, Doris Murphy, Eddie B. Talley, and Carolyn Faye Taylor; her maternal brother, Michael Talley. Her fraternal sisters: Shirley Graham, Mary Larkin, Delois Williams, Annette Kennedy, and Janette Williams Smith (Leroy). Her fraternal brothers include George Williams Jr. (Tandria) and Leroy Williams (Yolanda). She is further survived by her sistersinlaw: Gloria and Linda Jordan; Linda, Brenda, and Patricia Campbell; Janeth Neely; and Mattie Moore (Eli). Her brotherinlaw, Harry Campbell, also remains to honor her memory. Ruby also leaves behind her cherished grandchildren in love, Jada and CJ Crusterson; and her godchildren: Jansen & Tiffani Goodwin and Iain Fitzpatrick. She will be deeply missed by her special friends, Nadine Fitzpatrick and Lenora Goodwin, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends who loved her dearly.

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