Virginia Lee Hand Campbell

Virginia Lee Hand Campbell, 90, was born July 13, 1927, and died peacefully on March 17, 2018. A lifelong Blount Countian, Virginia graduated from Alcoa High School, Class of 1945, as Class Salutatorian. After graduating from Maryville College with a B.A. in Education in 1949, Virginia assisted in the development of the first kindergarten program at Alcoa First United Methodist Church in 1951 and was the program’s first kindergarten teacher. In 1954, she began a 33-year career as a third-grade teacher in Alcoa City Schools. She was a lifelong member of Alcoa First United Methodist Church and a member of the United Methodist Women and the Christian Fellowship Sunday School class. She enjoyed the many friendships she made through the Chilhowee Club, ESO, Blount County Retired Teachers, Delta Kappa Gamma, and Red Hatters. In addition to her love for teaching children, Virginia was an avid reader, flower grower, bridge player, and cook. She loved her family and friends, especially her five grandchildren and great grandson, who were each very special to her. Virginia was preceded in death by her parents, Robert & Mildred Hand, and her husband, L.A. Campbell. Survivors: Daughters Jenny (Bill) Pate and Amy (Phil) Large and son Bob (Connie) Campbell. Grandchildren: Meghan (David) Rasnake, Keely (Cat) Everett, David (Anna) Large, Bo Campbell and Shane Campbell; and one great-grandson, Eliot Campbell Rasnake. Thanks to the staff of Brookdale Sandy Springs for their love and excellent care for the past six years; many of you were not only her caregivers but also her friends. A memorial service will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 22, at Alcoa First United Methodist Church with receiving of friends from 5:30 – 7:00. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alcoa First United Methodist Church Building Fund or your favorite charity. Arrangements by Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Virginia Lee Hand Campbell please visit our Sympathy Store.