Kathy Lynn Campbell
Kathy Lynn Campbell
Kathy Lynn Campbell was born April 22, 1954 to Charles and Wilma Tom.
Kathy graduated from West Plains High School and attended SMSU-WP before completing her Bachelors of Elementary Education at the Springfield Campus. In 1991, she graduated with her Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from Mizzou.
She was the mother of Christopher and Lauren. For them (and others), Kathy was a constant, a light, and an unwavering cheerleader.
For a period of time, Kathy worked as a real estate agent and continued to maintain an active license. She was also a travel agent, a position that prepared her for lovingly coordinating travel for her family whenever the opportunity arose. Her real passions were learning and teaching; at an early age, she knew that she wanted to be a teacher, regularly assigning “homework” to the neighbor kids while growing up in Nebraska and Missouri.
She taught at Friendship Circle Preschool before her 43-year career at Howell Valley School. Beyond the role of teacher, Kathy provided a safe space for countless students. She believed in everyone and always championed for the underdog.
Kathy also taught Psychology and Sociology at MSU-WP for 19 years. She looked forward to instructing her Thursday night classes and took tremendous pride in keeping up with her research in hopes of offering the newest and most interesting information available to her students.
The same principles that she used in her work with 1st-8th graders were brought to her college classroom as well. She loved connecting with students, of all ages, in a way that allowed for them to have a greater understanding of their own values and capacities.
Kathy was a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Sorority for Teachers for over 35 years and appreciated the opportunity to connect with her sisters who found a shared sense of meaning in the field. She also served with West Plains Council on the Arts, an organization whose mission and its people were very special to her.
Kathy was a creative. She was unconventional in her approach to life and teaching and often challenged societal expectations; she encouraged others to live and think “outside the box” and to be their most authentic selves, too. No matter one’s status or circumstances, a person always had a sense of belonging with her. She loved with a great depth.
Kathy found humor in almost every situation and was skilled in bringing out playfulness in others (she took particular joy in getting straight-laced people to participate in silliness with her). She was incredibly courageous and an inspiration to others.
She enjoyed live theater, traveling, reading, shopping, spending time with her family, and finding opportunities to contribute.
Kathy was surrounded by loved ones who were and continue to be witnesses to her life. Among them are her children, Christopher and Lauren; her brother, Chuck Tom; several nieces and nephews; and many friends, all of whom meant a great deal to her.
In lieu of sending flowers, the family encourages those wishing to honor Kathy to plant something colorful in her memory.
Craig and Sherri Cromer
August 10, 2022 @ 6:13 am
Christopher,Lauren,Chuck so sorry for your loss. She was such a beautiful soul. She touched so many lives in such a positive way. I can close my eyes and hear her laugh. My prayers are for your comfort and peace.
Alice Vandergriff
August 10, 2022 @ 8:03 am
I am so sorry to hear of Kathy’s passing. She was a special soul and a delight to know. God bless and comfort you all.
T. McCallister
August 10, 2022 @ 8:43 am
Mrs. Campbell was one of the best! She was so sweet and loving and cared for her students. Her soul lives on though in all the memories she made with her family and friends and many students. I always thought she was so stylish and beautiful! She was one of a kind and I have many memories of her during my time at Howell Valley. Prayers for the family during this difficult time.
Mallory Snodgras
August 10, 2022 @ 9:37 am
Chris & Lauren, I am so sorry for your loss!! Your Mother was as beautiful person who I always enjoyed running into. She always greeted you with a smile and had a wonderful one at that! You both will be in my prayers!
Joan Dix
August 10, 2022 @ 12:41 pm
Prayers for both of you, Lauren and Christopher, and for all of her family! I knew Kathy through Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was a sparkling presence at any of the meetings she attended. I thought she was wonderful from the moment I met her. She will be missed!
Janet robinson
August 10, 2022 @ 4:05 pm
Lauren, Chris, and family,
I’m so sorry to hear about Kathy’s passing. She was an inspiration to her students and she will be missed by all who knew her. We shared many laughs over the years and I enjoyed our friendship. I’m sending prayers for peace and comfort. May God bless. With love.
Jan Wichern
August 10, 2022 @ 6:09 pm
I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother. Kathy was such a lovely person, and a wonderful teacher! All my kids remember her fondly as a kind and affectionate teacher. The world will be a little sadder place without her delightful smile and free spirit.??
Alice Neal
August 10, 2022 @ 8:46 pm
As Kathy’s Delta Kappa Gamma sister, I remember always looking forward to our next meeting to see what flamboyant outfit Kathy would be wearing. What style and warm, forceful personality Kathy had. I remember her passion for CASA, from a program she presented at a meeting, an organization I eventually joined largely because of her example. We’ve missed her so much over the last several years. Rest in peace, Kathy.
Stephanie Smith
August 10, 2022 @ 10:42 pm
Lauren and Christopher, you mom was one of my all time favorite people. She lit up a room with her class and grace- she was beautiful inside and out. She made you feel better just being in her presence. For many years she was a mentor and an encourager for me and all of our students. We laughed-a lot (even when things weren’t easy) My life was blessed because she was a part of it. Sending love and hugs
Christy Heskett (Walker)
August 11, 2022 @ 6:18 pm
So very sorry for your loss!! Mrs Campbell was an amazing lady, she taught us so much growing up at Howell Valley!! Seeing her big, beautiful smile always made you feel better in school no matter what was going on that day. I could listen to her stories all day!! One of the best she will be greatly missed!! We all loved her so much!
Frances Wahlquist
August 13, 2022 @ 8:07 am
Lauren, Christopher, and family, you are in my prayers. Kathy was indeed a beautiful person and a wonderful teacher. I also met her through Delta Kappa Gamma Society International. She was a great asset to XI Chapter and always willing to serve. Kathy attended chapter meetings as long as her health was good. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Larry and Pam Coffman
August 13, 2022 @ 10:18 am
Chris and Lauren. We are so very sorry to hear about your mom. She was such a great inspiration to all. I had her in college. Not only was she a great teacher, but became a friend. Prayers for comfort and strength.
Vicki Lynn Cooper
August 15, 2022 @ 6:21 pm
Family of Kathy Lynn, I had the pleasure of attending HS with your mom. Not only was she beautiful but she was beautiful on the inside and also very smart. Our paths crossed occasionally after she and your dad married. I was lifelong neighbors with your dad and church also. Kathy was very kind to everyone. I also attended a Saturday Morning Class she taught at the college. Enjoyed it immensely. I will always remember the phone call from her on the day my son, LJ was killed. She offered to visit with LJs Dad and I, and said to call her day or night. I pray God will comfort you and give you peace of mind. She will be a beautiful Angel.
Terry Hampton
August 16, 2022 @ 10:08 pm
Lauren, I am so sad to hear of the passing of your beautiful and amazing mother. I didn’t know her as well as I wish I could have, but I can say that the special spark of energy in Kathy never failed to delight me any time I was near her. I can’t think of many people I can say that about. Her smile and the timbre of her voice are warmly etched into my memory of her. Thinking of you my sweet friend.
Barbara Cook
September 12, 2022 @ 4:00 pm
Kathy had the most beautiful and happy smile and outlook on life and all the people she ever touched. A big hole has been left in the hearts of her family I am sure. Prayers for you all .
Colten Harrison
April 4, 2023 @ 9:53 am
I can’t believe I just found out. I was going through a memory box I had and there was a note she had given me years ago. To sum it up, she said “I never believed in ‘good luck,’ because I really don’t believe much happens because of luck. Hard work and a caring heart, which you certainly have, will serve you much better than relying on luck.” This small reminder hangs proudly over my desk and it’s the first thing I see when I walk over and start my day. She was not only a light in a very dark place for me, but my influence to help kids in need. Her kindness, dedication, and love made me the person I am today. I’ve written essays about her and the impact she’s played towards my driving passions. This is a day I have dreaded for years because being at the funeral would have meant everything because she always showed up when I lost those closest to me. My heart is broken but I know if there was ever a person to make it to heaven, it was her – because in life, she was literally the driving force that kept me going (and I don’t say that for dramatics). I owe everything to this woman. Lauren, Christopher, I’m so sorry. If she wants colorful plants, then so it shall be. Rest in peace. I will never forget you. Howell Valley Panther, class of 08’.