Cecelia Campbell

On the evening of August 9, 2022, Cecelia Wallace Campbell “ Ceily ” (aged 82 years) exchanged time for eternity and answered the call of her creator to “Come unto Me and Rest. . .”

Cecelia was born the second child of five siblings to the late Mildred Pauline Gillispie & Winston Alexander Wallace in Rockford, Tennessee. Her siblings, Winfred Anetta Wallace Henderson, Leonard Eugene Wallace, Viola Elizabeth Wallace and granddaughter Amanda Nicole McNear Gonzales predeceased her.

Cecelia’s walk with God began at an early age. She was born into membership at Mt. Pleasant African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church where her great-grandfather, the late Carson Gillespie served as a founding Trustee.   Baptized as an infant by the late Rev. George W. Maize II, Cecelia gained an early appreciation for the Kingdom Building her family had long been committed to.   Cecelia served in many capacities at her beloved church.  She sang in the choir where she brought much joy and assurance to many with her signature solo, “Your Grace and Mercy”.  As a youth, she served as secretary for Sunday School, Usher, and even helping her great-uncle, the late Bishop Paris Arthur Wallace, Zion’s 39 th Bishop with his episcopal record keeping.  She served as both Steward and Stewardess at her local church, active member of the Mildred P. Wallace Missionary Society, and served the Tennessee Conference as a Home Missions Worker.  Stressing the importance of faith, Cecelia’s parents instilled in her and her siblings, with God, anything is possible. Cecelia’s WALK WITH GOD ENCOURAGED HER.

Strong-willed and independent, Cecelia lived a life of love and is admired by her loved ones for her strong Christian work ethic.   A 1958 graduate of Charles M. Hall High School in Alcoa, TN-Cecelia developed a love for learning and keen awareness of the importance of formal education.    Cecelia was a culinarian par excellent! She retired after over 35 years of employment with Aluminum Company of America (ALCOA) at Scona Lodge.  She worked an additional 15 years at Williamsburg Villas, and would occasionally lend a helping hand to her first cousin Josaphine Stewart with her longstanding catering contract at Second Presbyterian Church in Knoxville.  Simply put, Cecelia knew her way around the kitchen and was best known for her delicious baked goods.  Cecelia’s WALK WITH GOD SUSTAINED HER.

She bids a fond “see you later” to siblings; Walter Suddreth of Alcoa, Mildred Long of Alcoa, son Rick McNear of Alcoa, daughters; Doris Y. McNear of Knoxville and Melanie Brown of Rockford, grandchildren; Rev. Sam Brown of Knoxville, Clarissa McNear of Knoxville, Ayawna McNear of Maryville, aunt; Rose Gillespie of Rockford, 6 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great grandchildren a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.

Services will be held on Tuesday, August 16, 2022 at Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Ch ur ch, 3664 Grade Road, Rockford, TN Rev. Kamau Kenyatta, Officiating.   Viewing will begin at 11:00am; family visitation at 12:00noon; celebration of life at 1:00pm.   Please be advised a strict mask mandate will be enforced.  Arrangements entrusted to Foothills Funeral Home. www.foothillsfh.com

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be made to Mt. Pleasant A.M.E. Zion Church 140 th Anniversary Celebration in memory of Cecelia Wallace.