Minnie Louise Campbell departed this earthly life and entered her heavenly home
with the Lord on Monday, March 30, 2026, at UVA Hospital in Charlottesville,
Virginia.
Minnie was born on February 8, 1944, in Buckingham County, Virginia, to the late
William Word and Fannie Mae Word. She was a loving and nurturing woman who
was like a mother to many young people. They were drawn to her for guidance,
wisdom, and encouragement. Minnie loved everyone and accepted people just as
they were.
She grew up and began her education in Buckingham County. Later, she moved to
Newport News, Virginia, where she met her late husband, Wilbert Campbell. After
marrying Wilbert, August 4, 1963, the two later relocated to Chicago, Illinois.
After separating from her late husband, Minnie moved to Worcester,
Massachusetts, where she worked for many years as Head Chef at Worcester City
Hospital. During that time, she began dating her late fiancé, Carl Leonard, who
became her best friend, companion, and confidant. Before returning to
Buckingham, Minnie was an active member of Second Baptist Church in
Worcester, Massachusetts, while faithfully paying her tithes to Second Liberty
Baptist Church in Dillwyn, Virginia.
After Carl Leonard passed away in 2018, Minnie returned to Buckingham to be
with her family and continued her retirement there.
Minnie prayed daily for her family and for her beloved furbaby, Shiloh, whom she
adored. She was known for cooking special dishes, especially her famous potato

salad, for family and friends to enjoy. She had an unforgettable sense of humor
and loved laughing with family and friends. She especially enjoyed late-night
movies with her daughter, Debra Word and Ezekiel Carson, who became her best
friend.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Fannie Mae Word; her
brother, Richard Word; her sister, Evangelist Mary Bolden; and her beloved
companion, Carl Leonard.
Minnie leaves to cherish her precious memories: her daughter, Debra Word of
Buckingham, Virginia; stepdaughters, Carla Carpenter and Tammi Carpenter of
Worcester, Massachusetts; her granddaughter, Chenelle Word-Gladden of
Atlanta, Georgia, whom she raised from the age of two; her sister, Anna Tolson of
Dillwyn, Virginia; three great-grandchildren, Ashley Walker, Calil Thompson, and
Shamira Payne of Atlanta, Georgia; three great-great-grandchildren, Caliya
Thompson, Aunisty Payne, and Theodore Thompson of Atlanta, Georgia; four
step-grandchildren, Cashonda, Shauna, Kyra, and Jamirah; and a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, and friends.
She also leaves behind special friends: Marjorie Rainwater, Loreen Johnston, and
Irene Carpenter.
Her love, faith, warmth, and kindness will forever remain in the hearts of all who
knew and loved her.