POWELL-Lois Imogene Campbell (“Imy”), age 89 passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at UT Medical Center surrounded by her family who dearly loved her. Even though she had recently faced new health challenges, her passing was unexpected due to unforeseen complications.
Imogene was a life-long member of Glenwood Baptist Church and a woman of great faith. She became a Christian at a young age, and instilled in her children the importance of attending church, prayer, reading God‘s word, and salvation. She was a loving Mother, Sister, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, Aunt, Cousin and loyal friend.
Imogene was born on January 28, 1932 in Knoxville, Tennessee. After graduating from Powell High School she attended the University of Tennessee for two years. After college she took a job as a professional proof reader at Oak Ridge.
Soon thereafter Imogene was introduced to a handsome golfer whom she often referred to as the “love of her life”. They were married in San Diego, California and made their home in Powell, Tennessee. In their marriage they were blessed to have three children. For a short time after the children were born she continued to travel with her husband on the PGA tour. Years later, when she became a single, stay at home mother, Imogene was devoted to being a homemaker and taking care of her children who were the center of her life. With the help of her family along the way, her children never missed a practice, game or any sporting events they were involved in.
When her children became teenagers, Imogene took a job at Sears and continued working until she retired after 35 years of service. While there, she received numerous accolades for her kindness and dedication, and made lifelong friends whom she lovingly called her “Sears family”. After retiring from Sears, she took a part-time job at Marshall’s and stayed there until her health would no longer allow her to work. While there, she once again made forever friends. One of her happiest moments after Retirement was a reunion of sorts, where her “Sears family” got together, took pictures, and reminisced before the West Town Mall store closed its doors forever.
She was an avid sports fan who loved golf, Nascar, basketball and football. Her passion for UT Athletics was fierce. It’s fair to say that you wouldn’t want to be sitting within ear shot of her when a play went in the opposing teams favor...it was not pretty! She also loved the Colts and Broncos whom her hometown hero, Peyton Manning played for.
Imogene loved to travel, and she cherished the memories of traveling extensively, not only with her then husband on the PGA tour in the late 1950s and early 1960s, but also in her later years with her family. She loved the bright lights and excitement of Las Vegas, and trying her luck with the penny slot machines. She could often be heard fussing about “not winning a dime” as she walked away looking for the next adventure. She also was a music lover, and some of her favorites to name a few include Kenny Chesney, Elvis Presley, Blake Shelton and Morgan Wallen.
Her hobbies include caring for her flowers, working crossword puzzles, and watching her favorite TV shows. She also was an avid reader, with a huge collection of books by her favorite authors, Danielle Steel and Elin Hilderbrand. She loved the mountains, beach, casinos and anything that sparkled! Last, but definitely not least she loved Krispy Kreme doughnuts, Starbucks white chocolate mocha, and pinto beans and cornbread, and you better not forget ketchup and relish on top...and a lot of both!
Imogene, was a “self-made” Historian who over the years acquired a huge collection of books, magazines, and newspaper clippings about the Royal family dating back to the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Not surprising, her favorite member of the Royal family quickly became Princess Diana, who was also known as “The People’s Princess.” I believe it was not only her beauty, but Diana’s compassion for others that won her over.
Throughout her life, despite her many challenges, including multiple health issues,our precious mama faced each and every one of them with grace, strength, and a positive attitude that endured until Jesus called her home.
We will forever remember the love, joy, and laughter that her presence brought to all who knew her. She was a simple soul who was never demanding, always grateful, thankful and blessed with God‘s amazing grace. Her smile, and sense of humor brightened everyone’s day who came across her path. It was not always her intention to make you laugh.....it was just her way of saying things.
Imogene never met a stranger and had many dear family, and friends who will forever cherish special memories of happy times shared with her. Her love of life was an inspiration to all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her parents, JC and Louise Bayless of Powell, TN; brother Bobby Bayless also of Powell, TN. She is survived by, and will be deeply missed by her three children: loving son Blake Campbell, and wife Kristy of Powell, TN; loving son Bret Campbell, and Cindy of Haines City, FL; along with her loving daughter, Beverly Campbell, and Jeff of Knoxville, TN. Additional Family survivors include: Sister Carolyn Arnold, and husband Gaines of Powell, TN; brother Jimmy Bayless of Powell, TN. She also leaves behind 4 grandchildren: Kim Tittsworth of Oak Ridge, TN; Jordan Campbell of Winter Haven, FL; Hannah Champ of Talbott ,TN and Luke Champ of Knoxville, TN; 4 Great-Grandchildren: Ethan Brown, Raelynn & Brooklynn Cooper, and Sawyer Champ;
Special family members: Sarah Brewer, John Bruhin, Phil Campbell, Cheryl and Munoj Kumar, Jimmy (Jim) Rowlett; and several nieces, nephews, cousins, great nieces, and nephews as well as a multitude of friends who she cherished dearly. We would be remiss to not mention a host of “fur babies” that she truly loved which miss her sweet touch-her beloved cat Sheba, and a very special “Grand dog” Tiffany, along with several other dogs, goats, chickens and cats that are too numerous to name.
They family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice and Staff, especially Lisa and Laura for their loving care, compassion, and friendship. We also would to thank the staff of Quality Home Health Care, especially Josh, Kristy and Megan. Also Casey with Aspire Palliative Care and Jamie with UT Hospital for your wonderful care and friendship. Doug Leahy, M.D. and Tammy-Charles Treasure, M.D. and Kristy whom provided years of loving care to our mother.
A very heartfelt thank you to the entire University Palliative Care team...Adam Tyson M.D. you are an angel on earth...our family has no doubts about that.
The family is requesting in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her memory to: Susan B Komen Foundation, St. Jude‘s Children’s Hospital, KARM, or Second Harvest Food Bank which were among her favorite charities that she lovingly supported.
Scripture states, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” { 2 Timothy 4:7 }. Mama.... until we meet again....we will always carry your memory in our hearts.
A Celebration of Life service honoring Imogene will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be expressed at www. mynattfh.com.
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