Rene M. Campbell

Rene Marlena Sturdivant was born in Lincoln Hospital located in the Bronx, on March 22, 1947. Her Aunt Virginia Lance who preceded her in life (2009) raised her in Brooklyn. Rene was educated at Girls High in Brooklyn. Rene met and married William Campbell in 1966. Rene leaves behind to celebrate her life, her mother; three (3) sisters; one (1) brother; her eldest son, Marvin Sturdivant; her daughter, Shirley Black who is married to Junior Black. The five (5) grandchildren she raised: William Jr., Shaneequa, Telisha, Alexious, and Tony, and a host of nieces and nephews as well as beloved friends. Her youngest brother Michael Norfort (2009) and her son William Campbell Jr. (1988) were waiting at the pearly gates to greet Rene. Rene "Cookie" Campbell as she was more affectionately known and remembered, resided a large portion of her adult life in the Red Hook Housing Complex. She was well known and respected throughout the community. Rene was known for her card parties, her billiard skills, her obsession with painting apartments, famous "sweet potato pies" and her fried chicken. To know Rene, was to love Rene. Her apartment was an open door for all those who wanted or needed a place to sleep, relax, hangout or eat. Rene would feed the neighborhood kids as well send plates home for their parents, from the kindness of her heart and all at her own expense. Rene was also known for her vast video collection. She had a system of cataloging her collection to ensure that she knew who, had taken out what videos, when, how many and for how long! When Rene wasn't taking care of the neighborhood, she devoted her life to her work. The Jewish Board of Family Children Services also known as "Mishkon" was where she dedicated, devoted and nurtured her clients that she affectionately called her 'Kids' for 27 years, before she retired in 2008. She was well loved by her 'kids' as well as their families. Her employers and co-workers alike well respected her, because of her caring and giving nature. Prior to her call home on January 8, 2011, Rene renewed her faith and began reading the bible. Rene took pride and comfort in knowing that Marvin had turned his life around and has become a responsible, caring man. The greatest comfort for Rene was knowing that her daughter Shirley (who was devoted to her throughout her sickness and in her health) would not be left alone in her absence. She was happy to know that her son-in-law Junior was there to take care of things. Rene would constantly say that Junior was a good husband, son and a loving man. She went knowing she was leaving her daughter in good hands.

Rene M. Campbell

March 22, 1947 - January 8, 2011