Idanell Campbell

On Monday, January 25, 2021, Idanell Campbell, of Greenville, Tx, passed away at the age of 77.  There are no public memorial services planned at this time.

Idanell was born on November 20, 1943. She was the daughter of Ruben Vedora and Elizabeth Vernell Zainfeld. Although she was born in Baltimore, Maryland, she spent her school-age years in Dallas, Tx and much of her adult life in Greenville, Tx.  Idanell received her degree from East Texas State University and worked as a paralegal for over 30 years before retiring in 2011.

She was an artistic and creative soul. She took great pride in making her home a beautiful and welcoming place. Idanell had her own unique style. She enjoyed spending her time decorating, painting, flower arranging, remodeling, landscaping, and was definitely never one to sit.

She cherished her friendships. Idanell is remembered and described as being beautiful both inside and out. She showed her love for others often by sharing flowers, cuttings from her gardens, small thoughtful gifts, and the most sincere handwritten notes of encouragement and adoration. She was always willing to use her knowledge and expertise to guide others in difficult times. Through the years, Idanell has opened her home many times and provided a safe and loving environment to foster children and others in need.

To her daughters, Mom was the helpful voice of reason and a calming presence. Her children depended on her strength, intelligence, confidence and independence. She could come in, take charge, and handle every difficult situation that arose. She loved her daughters very much and was always happy to join in. Mom was the one keeping time at the arena for playday events, she was the one you called to go shopping, redecorate, work in the yard, book a family vacation or if you just wanted to talk.

Nana or Grandmother, as her grandchildren called her, made sure each one knew how special they were.  Her home always included a full candy drawer and a special place supplied with books, toys, swimsuits, pajamas and art supplies. The grandkids were always happy and excited to stay at Nana’s house. She loved them dearly, as they loved her.

Idanell had a huge heart. Her loving nature extended to rescuing animals in need. She supported the SPCA and personally adopted many dogs and cats through the years. Her pets were part of the family and were cared for with much love and respect.

Idanell taught many valuable lessons:  Always have a specially designated place in your home for your grandchildren, leave a candy drawer plentiful, accept everyone as they come, always care for animals as they care for you, take time to smell the flowers and tend the plants, above all else, be the superhero everyone needs. She was the backbone of her family, and she shone at her position.

Idanell was preceded in death by her father, mother, brothers, Clyde and RV, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.  She is survived by her husband, Ronny Lynn Campbell; daughters, Sami Danell Hartford and husband David, Stacy Bowe and husband Carter, Shayla Lewis and husband Matthew; her grandchildren, Aja Hartford, Bayli Harford Parr, Trey Trentham, Haley Trentham Snider, Morgan Lewis Beath, Caden Lewis; and her great-grandchildren, Londra, Charles, Channing, Brecken and Huxley; several step-children, their families, many cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to any of the causes she was moved to support over the years: 

Primary Progressive Aphasia - National Aphasia Association, P.O. Box 87 Scarsdale, NY 10583 - Aphasia.org

SPCA of Texas - spca.org

Parkinson’s Foundation - 200 SE First Street, Ste 800 Miami, FL 33131 - parkinson.org

MD Anderson Cancer Center - mdanderson.org