Louise Campbell

Louise Walter Campbell, age 87, passed away peacefully at her home on May 22, 2025.

Born in Jackson, Mississippi on July 7, 1937, Louise was the daughter of the late J. Hermann and Aileen Bennett Walter. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Frank Critz Campbell Jr. and her sister, Aileen Walter Morrison.

She is survived by her daughter, Julie Campbell Gray (Andy); her son, Critz Campbell; her granddaughter, Mary Campbell Dragoo (Steve); her sister, Julia Walter Allen; her sisters-in-law, Julia Campbell Shirley, Elizabeth Campbell Bailey, and Beverly Arrington Campbell; her brothers-in-law, Larry Morrison and Eugene Bailey.

Louise graduated from Central High School in Jackson and went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Mississippi College for Women. She devoted her career to nurturing creativity, teaching art in the West Point Public Schools and Oak Hill Academy. Deeply committed to her community, Louise served for 25 years as director of both the Clay County Economic Development Corporation and the Main Street Community Program, where she worked to foster growth, revitalization, and a strong sense of place in West Point. She was a devoted member of First Methodist Church.

A lifelong advocate for the arts, Louise played a vital role in shaping the cultural life of West Point. She led the Prairie Arts Festival for 25 years and lent her time and expertise to several boards, including those of Mary Holmes College and the West Point–Clay County Arts Council. In recognition of her lasting impact on the arts, the restored McClure's Building in downtown West Point was named in her honor as the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts.

Louise will be remembered for her creativity, leadership, and unwavering dedication to her family, her community, and the arts.

The family wishes to thank Liz Butler, Faye Lee, Candy Woods, Maggie Pernell, Irene Dailey, and Dorothy Townsend for their devoted care and support during Mrs. Campbell’s final months.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, May 25, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home, 869 East Broad Street, West Point. An additional visitation will take place on Monday, May 26, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, followed by funeral services at 11:00 a.m. Friends and family are invited to attend. Pallbearers will be Monte Brasfield, John H. Bryan III, Steve Dragoo, Andy Gray, Bob Harrell, Jeremy Klutts, Art Shirley, and Jim Stone.

Honorary pallbearers are Dewel Brashier, Jimmy Bryan, Kenny Dill, Stokes Smith, and Lee Stafford.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 293, West

Point, MS 39773, or to the West Point–Clay County Arts Council, P.O. Box 105, West Point, MS 39773.

Donations to the Arts Council may also be made via Venmo @wpccac or by scanning the QR code below.