Anna W. Campbell

Obituary

Anna Lyle West was born in Smithville, Ohio, but her parents moved back to their farm in Bay Minette, Alabama when she was about one year old. Because her mother was rather ill while Anna was young, she was mostly raised by her daddy and sister (12 years older). Hence, Anna always said, she was a daddy's girl.

In High School, her sister Ruth joined the staff teaching French & Spanish. Of course, Anna was in her Spanish class. Anna was so used to calling her sister, "Ruthie", that it was hard for her to call her, "Miss West", hence, many times she didn't say anything at all!

Anna grew up in Bay Minette and graduated from BCHS (Baldwin County High School) and attended Auburn University, graduating in 1954 with a Home Economics Degree. Anna was a member of the Alpha Delta Pi sorority. Anna originally thought she would teach, but by the end of her student teaching, she realized this was not the right profession for her. Anna married Paul V Campbell and they moved to Pensacola in 1955. They divorced in 1966.

Anna served the community by volunteering with various groups, such as the Santa Rosa Women's Club and she was an active member of Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church. Anna loved music, not only did she have season tickets to the symphony, but she served on the board for several years. Anna kept her mind sharp, she loved crossword puzzles and she played with a couple of bridge groups.

Anna also loved to Travel. Throughout the years she took many overseas trips, including several with her church. But a lifelong dream of hers was to visit India. Her grandfather is buried there and her mother grew up there, so she heard stories of what it was like growing up in India. Additionally, a great Aunt, Isabella Thoburn, founded a school for girls, now known as Isabella Thoburn College, Lucknow, India. She, along with her brother Harry & his wife Kip was able to travel to India on an elder hostel trip with an added trip to the Lucknow. Fortunately, they were able to visit the College for several days. They were welcomed with open arms at the College. The trip was a highlight of her life.

Anna's main professional life was working as the Administrative Assistant for Baptist Healthcare, Pensacola. When she retired, in 1996, it took five people to replace her.

Born to Harry & Mary West of Bay Minette, AL. Anna is preceded in death by her mother, father, sister Ruth, and brother Harry, Jr.  Anna is survived by her brother's family, Kip West, and children Karen Gruhlke, David West, Elizabeth Brozek Boyer, and Leonard West plus several great-nieces and nephews.

The service will be available to watch on Gulf Breeze United Methodist Church's Facebook page. Click on the link to access the live stream https://www.facebook.com/gbumc.