Patricia Jane Campbell

After a brief, but valiant battle, Patricia Jane Black Campbell passed away at approximately 9 PM on October 15, 2013, succumbing to a long time medical condition. She is survived by her sister, Fyrl Black Perkins of Morehead, Kentucky; her son, Michael Campbell of Crestwood, Kentucky; her grandson, Jonathan Dallas Campbell of Crestwood, Kentucky; and a host of adoring nephews, extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; her sister Mickey Black Fassas of Richmond, Kentucky; her brother Peter Black of Morehead, Kentucky; and her son William Kim Campbell of Frankfort, Kentucky. A true American beauty, Patricia, the youngest of four, was born on November 26, 1927, to Ethel Brown Black and Dallas Black, and was raised in the Morehead, Kentucky area. After graduating from Breckenridge Training School in Morehead in 1944, where she was a member of the Minstrel Club, Patricia sought experiences away from her hometown, including a stint working in Chicago, Illinois. Soon after returning to Morehead, she married Kentucky State Trooper William Campbell, of Hitchens, Kentucky. That marriage produced two sons, and the family eventually settled in Frankfort, Kentucky in 1954, where she was active as a homemaker, a Cub Scout mom, and a member of the Frankfort Younger Women''s Club and the Highland Christian Church. Her family and their friends were frequently treated to unforgettable feasts; most notably her lasagna and her mother''s recipe for incredible chicken and dumplings. Professionally, Patricia served administrative roles in state government, including work in the Transportation Cabinet and spent the bulk of her career in the Environmental Protection Cabinet''s Surface Mining Inspections Division. Her true calling however, was always the nurturing support of her family. She blended her respect and kindness for all living things and her considerable talents in the visual and culinary arts with a restless intellect. Her interests, ranging from Degas to Hitchcock to the French playwright Moliere to Miles Davis, both challenged and encouraged her children. She created an environment that fostered imagination, exploration and creativity built on unconditional love. Patricia was also an early adopter of technologies; being among the first to obtain and use pocket calculators, digital watches, PCs, e-books and iPads. Her tastes in art, clothing and home decor were always impeccable. Her lessons of integrity, empathy and curiosity were delivered by example and sustained by affection. This influence continued well after retirement; sharing art, stories, chess and blackjack with her grandson into the last week of her life, as Patricia joyfully took on the persona of "Shay", the name assigned to her by her then-infant grandson. The consensus was and is, from all age groups, "She''s so cool!". Her family and friends will always treasure and forever miss her gifts of devotion, wit, grace and class, and especially the music of her voice. Visitation will be Friday, October 18, 2013, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Harrod Brothers Funeral Home. The family will observe a private Celebration of Life Service. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy in her memory are suggested to Life House For Animals, PO Box 1365, Frankfort, KY 40602

Tributes

Patricia Jane Campbell

November 26, 1927 - October 15, 2013