Olivia Maria Campbell

The Family,
Olivia was known in the family by many affectionate names; "Motor Mouth" because she loved to talk to everyone. She would talk to family, friends and total strangers because she felt she had something to say, and wanted everyone to hear it, whether they wanted to or not. Olivia was also nicknamed "The Map. She could give you directions to anywhere you wanted to go. Her most cherished aka was "Mahalia Jackson" because of her amazing voice. My fondest memory of Olivia was seeing her in Church. She would stick her chest out, throw her head back and literally mesmerize her audiences.

Olivia was also a great cook. Her potato salad was requested by many for bar-be-cues and other gatherings. She was also good on the sewing machine. She made many of her own outfits, and those of the family as well.

All of the traits mentioned above were prompted by Olivia's big and generous heart. She loved people, and was always willing to do whatever she could to help. She treated everyone she met like "Family".

Olivia will be remembered by her family because of the things that made her so special. We know that she is talking and singing with the Angels right now. She was dearly loved, and will be dearly missed.



Life’s Reflections
Olivia M. Campbell was born in Jamaica, NY to Robert and Arcessa Campbell on March 3, 1940 and transitioned on Tuesday December 8, 2020. Olivia attended NYC Public School system; she graduated from Andrew Jackson High school and continued her education at Hofstra University where she graduated. After graduating from college, she worked various jobs before joining the New York Telephone Company. After Forty years of dedicated service she retired. During her retirement she had more time to travel. Traveling was something she really liked to do. Olivia also utilized her time to collect books and read to school age children. She was a part of the Pioneers Chapter which is an organization of retired Verizon employees.
At an early age her family joined the Springfield Community Church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Theodore R. Malone. Olivia has been a member since 1947. Let’s talk about the lady in white. Yes, Olivia was a member of the Joint Usher Board for over 75 years. She loved being a Door Keeper in the House of the Lord. Her whole life was about serving as an usher.
It was no secret the love she had for ushering. She would travel near and far to serve. She attended various conventions with pleasure. Her passion for serving was so great that during the month of July she would not take any other commitments that would interfere with the National United Church Ushers Association of America annual convention. This is an event she would not miss. She once joked that I hope no one dies in July because I might not be able to attend the funeral. Olivia held many offices in the association. She was the first Young Adult Corresponding Secretary of National United Church Ushers Association, first Vice President of Queens & Vicinity, William H. Davis Honor Club Chairman for Queens, former NYS Board member and was currently holding the position of NYS Memorial Chairman for Queens.
During a period of time at Springfield Community Church as membership declined, that did not stop Olivia from serving. She was the only usher in the church for many years. She would still have her Ushers Sermon and travel to other churches representing Springfield Community Church.
Springfield Community Church welcomed a new pastor. Rev. Dr. Philip Craig, who Olivia has known all his life.
As the Greater Springfield Community church grew so did the usher board. As of today there are 10 active ushers, with Olivia serving as President Emeritus. At every Usher sermon even with her failing health she found the energy to march with the ushers and you never knew anything was wrong with her.
“If every Usher was just like me, what would our Usher Board be?”



Olivia was an avid bowler and played on a league and loved reading Harlequin romance novels.
She also had a singing voice that would warm your soul. She was a trained contralto and sang on various choirs throughout the years.
Olivia had so much knowledge about history in the community that if she didn’t know about it, it didn’t happen. To sit down with her and let her tell it, you would think she was a part of everything that happened.
We know that Olivia lived a very fulfilling & meaningful life and she leaves to cherish her memory, sisters: Barbara M. Jones and Beverly A. Oliver, nieces & nephews: Patricia Ross, Richard Washington, Robert Campbell, Justin Oliver, Christopher Oliver, Collin Oliver, Jamison Jones, Deirdre Jones and a host of great nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. Her faithful Goddaughter Sandra Holmes. Preceded in death her parents, Robert & Arcessa Campbell, her brother Richard Washington, and her sister Carol Booth.
Better is one day in your courts than a thousand elsewhere;
I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked.
Psalm 84:10