“The world feels darker without her smile, but her light will shine forever through those of us she touched with her friendship and love.”
Jill Ellen Medford Campion, 52, of Easley, joined the Heavenly choir Sunday, December 10, 2017.
Born in Gastonia, NC, she was a daughter of Ray and Ann McKnight Medford.
Jill attended Western Carolina University where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Gamma, Rho Chapter. For the past 10 years she was an instructional assistant with the Pickens County School District.
The three most important things in Jill’s life were her faith, her family and her friends.
A faithful member of Providence Presbyterian Church, she served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, choir member, soloist and founded the Prayer Shawl Ministry. A friend from choir stated that “Jill’s music was and is worship in its purest form.” Her signature solo songs was “His Eye is on the Sparrow” which served as a great source of strength throughout her life, especially during her brave battle with Breast Cancer.
One could not be around Jill for very long without her speaking of her children. Beaming with pride, she supported Christopher’s career at the Citadel and encouraged many moms through Knob Year. She wore her Citadel Mom Ring until her last day on earth when she placed it on the hand of her Mother. Caroline’s acceptance to the South Carolina Governor’s School for the Arts was another source of great joy and pride for Jill. Even while suffering from the effects of cancer treatment, she traveled with Caroline to the most prestigious Art Institutes around the country to find the perfect place to study and grow as an artist.
To say that Jill was a friend to all would be an understatement. Her friends had the following to say about her: “She made everyone feel like they were her best friend,” “She leaves behind a legacy of what a friend should look like in caring for others.” “She had a voice that was stolen from an Angel.” “I will forever remember her kindness.” I said “Jill, organize it and they will come, and they DID.” “Her love of life, laughter, and uplifting nature were contagious.” “Jill’s Crack Brownies saved many a Knob from starvation.” “Jill was no ordinary songbird, she was PINK, and did she ever sing.” “A heart as beautiful as her singing voice.” “She just announced that I was her brother of choice.” “Her crystal-clear voice mesmerized people.” “If you are going to sing it, sing it RIGHT.” “Her legacy is having everyone’s back.” “She wasn’t afraid to call a Spade a Spade.”
Jill made many friends in her work with local community theatres, especially Foothills Playhouse in Easley where she acted, directed and produced many plays. Perhaps her most well-suited role was that of the Fairy God Mother in “Cinderella.”
Survivors, in addition to her parents, include her son, Christopher Campion; her daughter, Caroline Campion both of Easley; her sister, Beth Carter and husband Greg of Dallas, NC; and two nephews, Nick and Ben Carter, both of Dallas, NC. She was preceded in death by a son, Keaton Campion; her paternal grandparents, Frank and Esther Medford; and her maternal grandparents, Mac and Ruby McKnight.
A Service of Worship remembering Jill’s extraordinary life will be held at 2:00 PM on Saturday, December 16, 2017, at Providence Presbyterian Church.
Burial will be at 3:00 PM on Sunday, December 17, 2017, in the New Hope Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Gastonia, NC.
Memorials may be made to Providence Presbyterian Church, 4000 SC Highway 153, Greenville, SC 29611 or to her GoFundMe page, j3grbwbr.
“She who leaves a trail of Glitter will not soon be forgotten.”
Sing, Angel, Sing!!!
Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel