Obituary of Emily A. Campbell

Reflection of the Life of Emily Ann Campbell Rev. Mrs. Emily Ann Campbell was born in Flushing, NY on May 7, 1924. Daughter of the late Arthur Mokens and Alexina Dennison. Beloved sister to her late siblings: Clara, Matilda, Charles Dennison and Nephew Emmitt. Most loving wife to the late Alvin Forrest Campbell, Sr. Emily attended P.S. 17 and graduated from P.S. 32 in Flushing, NY. She graduated from the East New York Vocation High School in Brooklyn, NY. Emily's musical background started at an early age. She joined the YMCA Glee Club at 610 Lexington Ave. and became one of the leading soprano soloist. After several recitals, she studied with the late Madame Maria Vocoli. She joined the Little Met Opera House located at 59th Street & Columbus Ave. Her first semi-classical solo concert was held at the Wintergarden Theater. Additionally, she enjoyed singing gospel hymns: "If I Can Help Somebody," "How Great Thou Art" and "What a Fellowship" to name a few. Emily met the love of her life, Alvin Forrest Campbell, Sr. They were married for 49 beautiful years. During her singing career, she became a missionary and a student of the Mt. Sinai Biblical Seminary. She received her missionary license on September 28, 1958. "Where there is no vision, the people perish" – Prov. 29:18. In 1959, Missionary Emily founded the Prayer Meeting Partner Home Missionary. (P.M.P.). It began as a home-based ministry in the presence of four mothers, five grandmothers and several nannies of strong Christian faith. The P.M.P.'s mission: for the betterment of humanity, to find home care, employment, and temporary dwellings for single parent mothers and their children. The P.M.P. was incorporated in September 1963. As a hobby that turned into a business venture, she designed and created crocheted flowers. In 1963, she started a pamphlet called, "Works and Arts," of prayers, poetry, the public's opinion and bible study. Emily obtained her Certificate of Civic Affairs at Moody Institute of Chicago. She graduated from the Temple Theological College of Jesus Christ of the State of New York June 28, 1964. Emily ranked second highest in her graduating class and delivered the salutory. Emily became an Evangelist in 1968. Evang. Campbell joined Salem United Methodist Church and taught Sunday School. In mid-70's, the P.M.P. Home Missionary Inc. was changed to P.M.P. Home Missionary Church, Inc., a nondenominational church, services were held at 120th Street in Harlem, NY. Evang. Campbell created and trained the P.M.P. Ballet Group, organized day trips to Graymoor, the home of the Franciscan Sisters and Friars of the Atonement in Garrison, NY, and held family day picnics at NYC and NYS Parks. Evang. Campbell was ordained Reverend by the late Rev. G. Parks of Truelight Temple of Faith, Bronx, NY in Sept. 1975. She received a Certificate of Ordination for the office of Associated Minister in Nov. 1975. Throughout her ministry, Rev. Emily Campbell visited and prayed for the sick, shut-in, those incarcerated, and assisted pastors and their congregation in programs for women's, men's and children's day, church anniversaries, etc. in the metropolitan area. Rev. D. Dunlap offered her an opportunity to assist in the pulpit of Mt. Pisgah A.M.E Church in Harlem for several years. From the late 70's to 80's, Rev. Emily Campbell was inspired to became a foster parent and day care provider to countless children. Rev. Campbell wrote "Biblical Dreams" in 1994, a 50-page booklet of visions and dreams according to the Bible. In 2000, she created the P.M.P. Home Missionary, Inc. Home News newsletter. Rev. Campbell gracefully retired in 2005. Emily loved the theater and is a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater-the Friends of Alvin Ailey. She attended the JASA Senior Center in Co-op City. On music day, she would definitely dance to the sounds of the oldies, swing, pop, R&B, and jazz music. When she felt like having an adult drink, a delicate Shirley Temple was her choice. She has traveled to Alabama, Arizona, Atlantic City, Boston, Canada, Georgia, and visited the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC. Emily leaves to celebrate her life: Daughters-Betty, Maxine and Patricia. Grandchildren-Malik, LaKim and Troy. Great-grandchildren Demetrius, Zion, Amari and Joy. Nieces Althea and Eleanor. Great-nieces Denise, Valerie, Renee and Myra and a host of family members and friends. She will forever be remembered, celebrated and greatly missed. Mother Campbell, Mommy, Auntie Em, Miss Emily, and Mrs. C, her words will ever remain, "I thank God for giving His love to me."