We celebrate the life of Joe Ann Campbell, a beautiful, faithful follower of Jesus Christ. She breathed her last breath in this life on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Jo’s early childhood was spent on the St Claire River living with her mom, brother, and grandma. She attended a one-room K-8 school, Mrs. O’Leary, her teacher for 5 years, instilled in her a desire to be a teacher. Jo was a tomboy and loved jumping off the Cherry Beach dock and playing with the boys as she was the only girl living there.

In 6th grade she moved to Romeo and then again to Fort Lauderdale for high school. She graduated from Pompano Beach High School in 1964 and then attended Eastern Michigan University where she began a life-long passion for education. She graduated with a BA in education in 1968 and started teaching for Huron Valley Schools starting at Duck Lake Elementary. After that she taught at Highland Elementary and Spring Mills schools.

During that first year she met the love of her life, Earl, who also was a new hire for HVS. Earl proposed to her in a rowboat on the Huron River. They were married in August 1969 in Fort Lauderdale. They lived on the Huron River in Milford and later built their house in Hartland, where she lived until her last day. She and Earl adopted Sara and then David in the 80s from South Korea. They continue to be a blessing.

She continued to teach, this time in the Hartland School district at both Round Elementary and Farms Middle School. After that she changed careers to focus on dementia care, earning a certificate in Gerontology from EMU and afterwards teaching post-graduate classes at that same university. This became her passion. She was often a presenter and keynote speaker at many conferences. She gave talks and trainings for the Alzheimer’s Association, and taught caregiver classes and trainings. Her mentor had this to say about her: “Jo was a remarkable woman – selfless in her love for her family, kind, generous and a gifted teacher and mentor to so many students and colleagues who loved her. The success of the Alzheimer’s Education Program was in large part because of Jo’s dedication, her loving and caring style and determination to help others understand the difficult journey individuals with memory loss and their families faced. She never lost sight of the humanity of each person she interacted with. Residents came alive and flourished in her small group programs. Jo deeply touched the lives of many.”

Jo’s greatest passion was her family. She was the rock upon which it was based. Delighting in caring, guiding, and most importantly loving Earl, Daughter Sara, and wonderful grandchildren Noah and Brianna.

Jo was a woman of faith and served her church well attending Milford UMC, Hardy UMC, Highland UMC and Hartland UMC.

Among Jo’s other passions was a love of music. She played many instruments, participating as the drummer in her community band and church praise band. She also sang in her church and community choir. She was also a motorcyclist, her son’s Cub Scout den leader, and a solo sailor. She was fond of the theater, often attending musicals. She also loved watching her children and grandchildren’s activities, including dance recitals, soccer games, band competitions, basketball tournaments, and gymnastics.

Her dementia journey started at the beginning of Covid. Earl cared for her at both their home in Hartland and cottage on Lake Huron. Towards the end, she enjoyed eating at Big Boy and walking at both the Tawas lighthouse and Lumberman’s Monument. Spending time with Earl, Sara, David and grandchildren Noah and Brianna until her death was a blessing. She is missed by all but rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Earl Campbell; children, Sara Campbell and David Campbell; grandchildren, Noah Campbell, and Brianna Campbell-Slutter; brother, James Horner; stepsisters, Candy Rosado, Pam (Rick) Thompson and Cheryl Sargent; also many extended family and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Horner Jr. and Sarah (George Woodley) Horner; beloved mother-in-law, Ginny.

Celebration of life will be held at Hartland United Methodist Church at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to

Hartland United Methodist Church

10300 Maple Rd,

Hartland, MI 48353

Alzheimer’s Association

Greater Michigan Chapter

25200 Telegraph Road, Suite 100

Southfield, MI 48033

Devotion Hospice

153 N. Milford Rd Suite 103

Highland, MI 48357