Frances Bodley Campbell, 84, of Shelby was called home to the Lord on March 2, 2014.  A lady of great beauty, style, and grace, she was loved and admired by many.   Born on February 7, 1930, in Memphis, Tennessee, she was a graduate of the Lausanne School for Girls and Holton-Arms College in Washington D.C.  In 1950, she returned to Memphis, where she met the love of her life, William Egbert Campbell, Sr., a Shelby native who had relocated there to study the cotton business.  After a two-year courtship, they were married on April 25, 1953, and returned to Bill’s hometown several years later.

Upon her arrival in Cleveland County, she quickly immersed herself in community activities, becoming known by others as “the Emily Post of Shelby.”  She served as president of the Junior Charity League, where she thrived as the annual debutante ball coordinator.  In 1981, she and Bill began leading Junior Assembly (today’s Junior Cotillion), where they, for over twenty years, helped young people learn etiquette, manners, and ballroom dancing.  A member of Shelby Presbyterian Church for over half a century, she taught Sunday School and the Catechism Class; was always in charge of the Easter lilies and Christmas poinsettias; and became part of the Sarah Circle, where she helped establish that group’s tradition of preparing meals for families at the church following funeral services.  The ladies of the church graced her with an honorary life membership of the Presbyterian Women.

She took great pride in helping Bill establish a very successful insurance business and in assisting him in his many roles of service to Shelby, including nearly two decades as chairman of the Shelby City School Board.  She reveled in her role as a mother, supporting her children in all their endeavors, from swimming to cheerleading.  Her love of fashion also led to her work as an in-home consultant with both Carlisle and Doncaster Clothing.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty-four years, Bill, in 2007; her parents, Dr. James Wiley and Frances Elizabeth Taylor Bodley, her namesake; and her brother the Rev. James Bodley.  She is survived by her sons, Dr. William Egbert Campbell, Jr., of Shelby and James Bodley Campbell and his wife Julie of Anacortes, WA, as well as her daughter, Kathryn Campbell Matney, and her husband Brian of Virginia Beach, VA.  She will be dearly missed by her beloved grandchildren, Parker Sullivan and Matthew Taylor Campbell, Mary Jacqueline and James Reynaldo Rodriguez Campbell, and William Keith and James Tomlin Matney.  She is also survived by her brother, The Honorable John M. Bodley and his wife Helen, of Sacramento, CA.  She held a special place in her heart for “the five angels” who cared for her daily, allowing her to remain in her home during the last three years, including Teresa, Mary, Laura, Annie Mae, and Mattie.

A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, March 9, at Shelby Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Luke Harkey officiating.  A reception will follow in the fellowship hall, where the family will receive friends and family.  Services will continue with a burial at 5:00 p.m. in Sunset Cemetery.  Condolences may be offered at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com.

We will forever treasure the beautiful memories and wonderful legacy she leaves with us, as she now rests in the arms of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mrs. Campbell.