Henri Jean Campbell, 88, Orange

Henri Jean Campbell (but you better call her Jean!) was born on February 3, 1935, and went home to be with our Lord on September 12, 2023.

Visitation for friends of the family will be at Claybar Funeral Home on Sunday, Sept 17, from 2-3pm with the Celebration of Life starting at 3pm. Private Graveside services for the family will be at 1pm, Monday, Sept. 18, at Liberty Hill Cemetery in San Augustine, TX.

Jean was born in the Isla community of Sabine County to John and Mable Wells and grew up in San Augustine, Texas. She met the love of her life, Don Campbell, and married young. Jean and Don had two kids, moved to Orange, TX, and eventually built their own successful oil company.

While she was “Punk” (punkin’) to her husband and “mom” to her kids, she was Big Mama to most everyone else. Her daughter-in-law, grandchildren, friends of grandchildren, and just friends of the family – she was everyone’s Big Mama and helped raise many more kids than just her own. As one family friend put it, “She loved on all of us.”

She loved her family with a passion – everything was for her kids. She attended many a game, concert, graduation, or anything else to cheer on or celebrate her children/grandchildren. She was the epitome of a Godly mother and an example of what a good mother should be.

Many people may not know that Jean had an incredible sense of humor and was a witty writer. She was a master of sarcastic and funny letters and exchanged many over the years with several family members. She loved nothing more than a good prank. She also enjoyed taking care of her garden and doing yardwork; she could often be found riding the lawnmower or watering her flowers – well into her 80’s!

Jean was a faithful Christian who served as pianist of First Baptist Church of Echo for many years. She actually walked her faith and served her community. She was beloved by her family, friends, colleagues, and employees. She was known for providing meals, clothes or money wherever she saw a need – often anonymously.

She loved life and lived for the times she could hear her children, Larry or Donnarie, play piano and keyboards. She liked to hold court at her “special table” and was queen of the dance floor while Larry played in the swamp pop band. She was equally moved while listening to Donnarie play her gospel favorites.

Jean was proceeded in death by her husband of 49 years, Don Campbell, her second husband, Clyde Donald Smith and her brothers, Raymond and Jeral Wells. She is survived by her children Larry (Marlene) Campbell and Donnarie Campbell, grandchildren Chad (Jamie) Campbell and Leslie (Rick) Ruff, great-grandchildren Teri (Michael) Rose, Avy Campbell, and Hunter and Dani Ruff, and numerous nieces and nephews.

We will miss her, but she has earned her rest now. Well done good and faithful servant.