Beverly "Bev" Keith Campbell

“Those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” — Isaiah 40:31

Beverly Keith Campbell, loving wife, mother, and DD, departed this earthly life for her eternal home on August 6, 2026. Born on July 10, 1947, Bev was preceded in death by her loving and faithful husband of more than 50 years, Larry Bruce Campbell.

She is survived by her three children, Amy Campbell, Kate Campbell McPhatter, and Rob Campbell (Betsy); grandchildren, Emma, Claire, and Chase McPhatter, and Adelaide and Kelsey Campbell who were her greatest joy in this life. Bev is also survived by her sister, Rita Jefferson; her brother, Bob Keith; and her beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Bev was a high school track star and an all-around farm girl growing up, known for hurdling fence rows and climbing trees. At 19, after a long and unexplained illness, she was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. At that time, there were no effective immune treatments, and by the time the disease was discovered, a great deal of damage had already been done to her young, once-strong body. Our family grew up watching her face one physical hurdle after another, and she never gave up. She chose to see God's blessings and His plan for her life, even when the picture looked very bleak. She taught us all how to be brave, how to show courage in the face of fear, and that we are never promised an easy tomorrow, only today, with which to do the best we can.

Bev lived a life of service to her family and community. She was a member of Madison Heights Baptist Church and was formerly a member of Central Baptist Church in Lowesville, Virginia, where she played the piano and sang in the choir. She especially enjoyed singing with her children and her daughter-in-law, Betsy.

Bev loved the outdoors and tended her vegetables and flower gardens with care. She could often be seen on the side of the road picking whatever wildflowers happen to be in season. Creating Christmas wreaths was her specialty. Bev lovingly gathered evergreens, pinecones, bittersweet, and rose hips, crafting each wreath with love and care.

Family was her greatest joy. She encouraged her children and grandchildren to always do their best and to always remember who they were and where they came from. She was delighted to watch her grandchildren earn accolades and grow into caring young adults. Her greatest sadness was knowing she would not see Adelaide and Kelsey grow up.

A celebration of her beautiful life will be held on Sunday, August 9, at Madison Heights Baptist Church, with Josh Beeler officiating. Visitation will begin at 1:00 p.m., with the service following at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions in Bev's honor may be made to Madison Heights Baptist Church or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

A special thank you to the staff of Fairmont Crossing for their love, compassion, and exceptional care of Bev during her final months.

We are left to cherish her memory and uphold the virtues and lessons she imparted to us. It will be our greatest honor to do so. She lived with humility, grace, and a servant's heart. It was truly a life well lived.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Madison Heights is assisting the family.