Virginia McCampbell

The Queen and Matriarch: Forever Ready for Cake, Champagne, and Adventure

Virginia Lee Cross McCampbell, 94, passed away peacefully in her sleep, surrounded by her loving family, on October 24 — likely dreaming of her next cruise, glass of champagne in hand.

Born February 1, 1931, in Kansas, Virginia was tough, kind, and full of spark. She helped raise her brother while her mom worked two jobs, then headed out into the world looking for adventure. As an Air Force base secretary, she found plenty— and a little mischief — with her best friend and partner-in-crime, Jo Gnann.

The two gave two weeks’ notice, packed up, and moved to Florida, where they worked hard, danced often, and occasionally went on more than one date a day (Virginia swore it was just because they were both “too good-looking to say no to”).

In Jacksonville, the blue-eyed beauty met her husband, Lowell “Mac” McCampbell. On their first date, he arrived in a convertible, top stuck down, in the pouring rain. The couple had fun anyway. 

When he proposed, he gave her two weeks’ notice to get married — and she went for it. On Oaklane Drive, they threw the best parties in town, complete with laughter, oysters, dancing, and a keg in the backyard. The couple raised four beautiful children, Derise, Debbie, Delynn and Gene.

Married 63 years until Mac passed in 2019, Virginia was an artist, a volunteer, and a master of biting her tongue at just the right moment. She adored her orange tabby cats — all named Sunshine — and loved sketching portraits of her grandchildren.

Even in her 90s, she loved adventure — waving like royalty on cruise ships and telling strangers, “It’s my birthday!” (It usually wasn’t.) If offered champagne, slot machines, or a sliver of cake, her answer was always, “Yes, please!”

Virginia thanked God daily for her blessings and believed life was meant to be appreciated and enjoyed.

She is survived by three children, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and an endless supply of stories that will keep us laughing for years.

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