Catharine Campbell

Catharine Campbell, 81, of Waco, passed away June 26, 2011 at her home with family by her side.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday July 1, 2011 at Lake Shore Baptist Church with Rev. Sharlande Sledge and Dr. Bill Bellinger officiating. Visitation will be 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday June 30, 2011 at OakCrest Funeral Home, 4520 Bosque Blvd.

Catharine was born in Waco, on October 2, 1929 to her very creative and loving parents, Mr. Clyde Moore Lancaster and Catharine Pritchett Lancaster. She professed her life to Our Lord and Savior at the age of twelve. Catharine graduated with the class of '47 from Waco High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the Glee club. Catharine was also a Worthy Advisor of Rainbow Girls Assembly #18. Catharine graduated from Baylor University with a B.A. degree in 1950 and a M.S. degree in Education in 1955. Catharine went on to teach for 35 years in the public schools: West, Bosqueville, Waco I.S.D. and La Vega I.S.D. Catharine believed, "whether some of my students learned because of me or in spite of me, 'the smile of a child made it all worthwhile.'"

Catharine was a member of Lake Shore Baptist Church. She taught three and four year olds, worked in the nursery and Vacation Bible School, served on the Worship Committee and the Children's Board, delivered Meals on Wheels, and participated in Sojourners and Women's Bible Study. She was a member of "Bereshith" Sunday School Class led by Dr. Bill Bellinger. Catharine volunteered her time to various services including Heart, Cancer, and Diabetes organizations, and she started her Neighborhood Watch Program. Catharine also served on the 1947 Class Reunion Committee.

Catharine was preceded in death by her soulmate, best friend, and husband of 51 years, Bill E. Campbell; her loving and caring parents; a wonderful brother, Clyde Moore Lancaster Jr.; and her earth angel Frances Underwood.

Catharine is survived by her loving and devoted daughter, Debra Ann Campbell Perry; beloved grandsons, Cap Perry and Hunter Perry; beloved sister, Ann Harris of Dallas; two very supportive sisters-in-law, Irene Lancaster, of Bryan and Earlene Meerschaert, of Cherokee; eight wonderful nephews, and two beautiful nieces; two very devoted and special families, The Ormands, of Austin, Rob, Denise, Janeé, Johnny, and Robby; and the Rabbs, of Austin, Isaac and dearly departed Jane.