Dr. Jo Campbell

.Dr. Jo Campbell, 74, returned to her heavenly home on Aug. 21, 2019. The legacy she leaves behind from her dedication to teaching, women’s services, equality and her family will leave its mark far beyond the time she was given.
Jo and her twin brother were born in Oklahoma City, OK on Feb. 16, 1945, to Senator Leroy and Mrs. Josephine Shipp McClendon. Jo grew up in Idabel, OK and attended Haworth schools, where her mother and father where teachers and administrators. She was active in high school and a member of the 1960 Class A state championship girls basketball team. She went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from Oklahoma State University in 1966, a master’s degree from Kansas State University in 1971, and a doctorate in education from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in 1975.
From her beginnings as a public school teacher of secondary math and science, Jo developed a career as a student advocate, scholar and administrator, serving on the faculty of the OSU College of Education for 23 years. A strong supporter and leader in the implementation of quality measurement and assessment practices for educational testing, Jo also promoted the use of appropriate research designs and statistics in education. The College honored her in 2003 with induction to the Hall of Fame in recognition of her professional achievement and service to society, the College and the University. As a professor emeritus, Jo continued contributing to her profession as a journal reviewer and adjunct professor.
After her retirement from OSU in 1998, Jo focused her activities toward helping survivors of domestic abuse through the Stillwater Domestic Violence Shelter and the Parent’s Assistance Center, where she worked on the shelter intake staff and served as a sexual assault response advocate. Additionally, she volunteered with CASA and served on the board of directors for Stillwater Life Services for over seven years. A longtime member of Southern Baptist churches, she was a charter member of Eagle Heights Baptist Church, where she served as children’s Sunday school teacher, chair of the personnel team and played an active role in supporting all of the church’s various programs.
Despite her numerous civic and vocational accomplishments, Jo’s greatest pride were her children and grandchildren. She wed her husband, Dr. Ray Campbell, on Aug. 21, 1965, in Idabel, OK, and they lived in a God-centered marriage for 54 years. Their love and devotion to each other and God was a living testament to their knowledge that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. (Rom. 8:28)
Jo is survived by her husband, Dr. Ray Campbell; her sons Brady Campbell and his wife Abbey, of Edmond, OK, and Dr. Jesse Campbell and his wife Isabel, of Arcadia, OK; her daughter Margaret and her husband Garett Trietsch, of Allen, TX; her grandchildren Tristan Campbell, Alex Campbell, Isabella Campbell, Hudson Campbell, Campbell Trietsch and Jenson Trietsch; her twin brother Jim and wife Cheryl McClendon, of Hennessey, OK; and countless nephews, nieces and cousins. She is preceded in death by her parents and foster sister June Aina.
Visitation will be open to friends and family from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with family greeting friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at Dighton Marler Funeral Home, 5106 N. Washington St., Stillwater, Ok. A celebration of Jo’s life will be held at Eagle Heights Baptist Church, 2617 N. Jardot Rd., Stillwater, on Monday, Aug. 26, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. with refreshments to follow. Senior pastor Brent Prentice will officiate the service. A private interment will follow. The family gratefully declines flowers; donations are welcome to the childcare department of Oklahoma Southern Baptist Convention, Stillwater Wings of Hope, Stillwater Life Services, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at www.dightonmarler.com.