Ressie Camper Obituary (1916 - 2019)

Ressie Mattie Meekins Camper age 103, Woolford, MD departed this life on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at the residence of her daughter and son-in-law: Betty and Eugene Camper, Sr. Ressie was born on July 4, 1916 in Meekins Neck, Golden Hill, MD. To the late Charles Meekins Sr. and Mattie Chester Meekins. Ressie attended the one room school at Church Creek, MD, which at that time had numerous classes and grades. She was a domestic worker, a factory worker, housekeeper, a nanny and a cook which she had a great passion for. She retired at the age of 60 to enjoy her family and to go on vacation with her daughters and granddaughters. Her last vacation was September 11, 2019 in Cape May, New Jersey. Having been raised in a very spiritual home with her widowed father as her guidance, she began her spiritual journey at a very early age. She was a member of the Church Creek Methodist Church in the Old Delaware Conference. There she was an active member of the choir. Later she transferred her membership to St. Paul United Methodist Church, Harrisville MD to worship with her father and other family members. She was a member of the “Harrisville Christaneers Gospel Choir” that was founded in 1949 at the home of Mr. Joseph and Emma Chester. She served as an Usher attending numerous Usher Days with her sister, Katherine. She was also a member of the “Ladies Christian Society” known today as “The United Methodist Women,” hosting many meetings that were very elegant and social as this was the custom at that time. She was a member of the “Harrisville Community Social Club.” This club sponsored many projects to help support the church and community. The majority of the members were Harrisville and former Harrisville residents. The club also traveled to many states as well as the World’s Fair thus allowing some to get the unique experience of traveling. She always worked in the kitchen of the church, cooking and serving, but her most passionate ministry was “The Singing and Praying Band,” which she joined at the age of 16 (87yrs.) traveling with her sister. She has been faithful and dedicated to the United Methodist Church until her health and mobility failed her. After the church merger, she was a member of the “New Revived United Methodist Church,” Smithville, MD. She was preceded in death by her husband, Tenisley Camper, a son: Tenisley Camper, Jr. and a daughter: Mildred Bailey and 21 siblings, some of which she helped raise. She leaves to mourn with cherished memories, daughter: Betty Ann Camper (Eugene Camper, Sr.) daughter: Daphine Camper-Jackson (Robert Sr.) and a devoted son Retired Sgt. Major Gary L. Camper, Sr. (Jean); 8 grandchildren: Frederick Bailey (Ann), Charles Bailey (Frances), Tanya Camper Greene (Anthony), Eugene Camper, Jr., Tanisha Robinson, Shaneika Johnson, Amber Camper Hodnett (Aaron) and Gary Camper, Jr.; 9 Great-Grandchildren; 5 Great-Great Grands and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Also her dedicated and faithful caregivers: Erica Jones and Ernestine Jones. LET THE LIFE I LIVED SPEAK FOR ME.