Gladys Marie Campbell

Gladys Marie (Pyles) Campbell, 87, went home to be with Lord on August 7, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. Born October 18, 1933 in Fort Ashby, West Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Mary (Harmon) Pyles. She was also preceded in death by her loving husband of 61 years, Gerald Campbell, and her brothers Richard and Ray Pyles.

Marie grew up on the family farm in Fort Ashby. She often shared about her life and experiences of what life was like growing up on the farm with her two brothers. She graduated from Fort Ashby High School in 1951. After graduating from Catherman’s Business school, she worked at the Second National Bank in Cumberland, Maryland where she met her future husband, Gerald Campbell. Later in life, after her children were in school, she worked as an administrative assistant to Alice Manicur, Dean at Frostburg State College.

Marie was a devoted wife and mother. She was kind to everyone she met and never spoke a harsh word to anyone (except her husband when she thought he was eating too many “sweets”). She enjoyed playing hymns on the piano and often entertained her family by playing her signature favorite song, “Golden Slippers.” She loved being a grandmother and spending time with her grandchildren, Emily and Josh. There are so many pictures of those two around her home that it is impossible to miss how much they meant to her and their grandpap.

Marie was a committed Christian and rarely missed attending church services. When her health prevented her from attending, she would watch her favorite pastors on TV. She was a member of Cresaptown United Methodist Church for over 60 years, serving in the Sunday School, as a choir member and choir director, and as a member of the United Methodist Women. She made many lifelong friends at church. She loved to read her Bible and watch Gaither Homecoming DVDs.

She is survived by her daughters; Karen Howsare and husband Lenny, LaVale, and Linda Campbell, Cresaptown; brother-in-law, George Campbell and wife Penny, Cumberland; sister-in-law Nancy Pyles, California; grandchildren, Emily and Joshua Howsare; and nieces and nephews, Michele, Dwight, Steve and Lisa. Marie grew especially close to Michele over the last two years, talking to her daily on the phone.

Marie was the epitome of grace and dignity. She was a kind, gentle and loving person who loved the Lord, her husband, and her family and friends. We will miss her beautiful smile that seemed to fill the room.

The family would like to thank Karen Hamilton and Patti See for the excellent care they provided for Marie as well as the nurses and staff at UPMC Western Maryland Home Hospice.

Friends will be received at the Scarpelli Funeral Home, P.A., 15205 McMullen Highway SW, Cresaptown, MD on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at the funeral home on Thursday, August 12, 2021, at 11 a.m. with Reverend Harold McClay, Jr, and Pastor Patrick Buhrman officiating.

Donations may be made in Marie’s name to the Cresaptown United Methodist Church, PO Box 5206, Cresaptown, MD 21502 or UPMC Western Maryland Hospice Services, 1050 W. Industrial Blvd., Cumberland MD 21502.