Mrs. Norma Louise Porteous Campbell

NORMA LOUISE PORTEOUS CAMPBELL - 94, recently of Knoxville, formerly a 55 year resident of Royal Oak, Michigan, passed peacefully on September 18, 2015. She was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 28, 1921, Norma was the only child of Charles Spence Porteous (Detroit) and Nina Vivian (Pierce) Porteous (Peelee Island, Ontario, Canada). Norma was a 1939 graduate McKenzie High School in Detroit, Michigan. Upon graduation from Detroit Business College, she immediately became an executive secretary in the General Motors Patent Department. She met the love of her life, Jack Campbell on a blind date just as the United States entered World War II. When he joined the Army Air Force they carried on their courtship with a daily correspondence until they married on August 26, 1944 and continuing on until he returned from the service in 1946. These letters are in the process of being made into a family book – recalling life on the home front during World War II. Artistically inclined, Norma set up a loving home for Jack and eventually their two daughters – first in Detroit and then in their dream home in Royal Oak. She was a great supporter of her husband and daughters. Norma constantly encouraged her daughters to be all they wanted to be – “You can do it – if you set your mind to it!” Once her daughters were in school, Norma took on a second career as a designer for a floral shop where she specialized in bridal flowers – making both of her daughter’s bridal bouquets. Upon Jack’s retirement, they spent the next 35+ years seeing as much of the world as time would allow. Longtime members of Nomads, a Detroit "Around-the World" air travel club, they traveled to the 4 corners of the globe, visiting all continents except Antarctica. In addition to the Nomads, Norma became a travel counselor for the Michigan chapter of BAASC (Birmingham Area Association of Senior Citizens) – taking many groups on trips at home and abroad. She was also involved in several fund raising events for BAASC. Norma was an artistic soul with the love of world travel, a lifelong learner, a creative homemaker, an excellent secretary and bookkeeper, devoted wife and mother. Her main concern and focus was always her family; daughters, sons-in-law, nieces and nephews. A perpetual optimist and teacher of life skills, she taught by example, who even when faced with physical adversities never gave up – a “plucky little bird.” She had a grateful heart and was always giving thanks to all in every circumstance. She will be missed by all those who knew and loved her. Norma is preceased in death by her much loved parents, Charles and Nina Porteous and devoted husband of 67 years, John Bernard Campbell. Survivors: loving mother to her two daughters and sons-in-law, Linda Campbell and John Milo Haynes (Knoxville, TN) and Karen Campbell and Geoffrey N. Wiswell (Hadlyme, CT); as well as a niece, Maryann Gebott (Colorado) and nephews, Frank Campbell and Larry Campbell (Michigan). Many thanks to her wonderful caregivers at the Ben Atchley State Veteran’s Home – they were like family to her. There are too many to name as all were kind, professional and devoted to bringing her the best possible care. There will be a celebration of life service 3:00 PM Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church, with Visitation following in the Barron Hall. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Ben Atchley State Veteran's Home, 9910 Coward Mill Road Knoxville, TN 37931 or Sequoyah Hills Presbyterian Church 3700 Keowee Avenue Knoxville, TN 37919. And, as Norma would say "Be good to each other – as you only have each other!" Online condolences may be sent to www.rosemortuary.com. Arrangements provided by Rose Mortuary Mann Heritage Chapel.

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Mrs. Norma Louise Porteous Campbell

May 28, 1921 - September 18, 2015