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Bebe Moore Campbell
Bebe Moore Campbell
Obituary
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Bebe Campbell Obituary
Campbell died at home in Los Angeles from complications due to brain cancer, said publicist Linda Wharton Boyd. She was diagnosed with the disease in February.
"My wife was a phenomenal woman who did it her way," husband Ellis Gordon Jr. said in a statement. "She loved her family and her career as a writer.
Her books, largely fiction and based on real-life stories, included the perspective of many ethnic groups.
One of her first novels, "Your Blues Ain't Like Mine," was published in 1992 and spanned a 40-year period. It dealt with prejudice in the United States. The book earned her an NAACP Image Award for literature. She followed the book with "Brothers and Sisters," which focused on race relations in the corporate world after the 1992 Los Angeles riot.
Among her other novels were "Singing in the Comeback Choir," "What You Owe Me" and "72 Hour Hold," the latter dealing with a mother coping with her daughter's bipolar disorder. Her 2003 play, "Even With the Madness," also focused on mental illness.
She also wrote children's books, including "Sometimes My Mommy Gets Angry" in 2003, which won the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Outstanding Literature Award. Another children's book, "I'm So Hungry," will be released next year.
As a journalist, her articles appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, Essence and Ebony.
Campbell, whose full name was Elizabeth Bebe Moore Campbell Gordon, was born in February 1950 in Philadelphia. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971.
Campbell is survived by her husband; a son, Ellis Gordon III; a daughter, Maia Campbell; her mother, Doris Moore; and two grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements were pending.
Copyright © 2006 The Associated Press
309 Entries
Donnamarie Helleis
March 2, 2023
All these years later,, I think I singed the Book at the service. I can you some of the Best Charades Games ever during the Holidays in my house. Nothing was off limits, so much laughter filled my Dining room, family & dearest friends. Dancing at her wedding had nod clue as a white girl no they all joined in to teach me,, Think is was The Chicken Dance. More than God could know what a treasure this woman was and the utmost pleasure that she was a part of y life,,, and Ellis Of course, Loved that Honey Chicken GF. Will miss you always in so many ways.
XOXOX
Donna Helleis
Jennie Dennard Davis
July 29, 2016
BeBe Moore Campbell, you are missed. Thank you for your written contributions Brothers & Sisters, 72 Hour Hold and all the rest.
Rhonda Henderson
August 18, 2015
Thank you for writing books that reflected us.
How you can show support
Lisa Jefferson
March 19, 2015
I remember reading my first book ever and it was hers. I have'nt stopped reading since. I wish I could've thanked her for the great books she wrote and I read. Your blues aint like mine. was awesome. R.I.P
January 21, 2015
To Bebe's husband, children, and family as a whole. I had just finished reading Your Blues...... when unexpectedly at my church, Antioch Baptist, in Cleveland Ohio, she was introduced as a guest. What a privilege and honor to meet an author who had brought me to tears in reading this book about injustice. I loved her style in writing which kept me eager to read until the end. Unfortunately, I had no knowledge until today that she'd passed. (I was looking for a good book to read). What a beautiful individual and a great loss to the world. I plan to read all of her books.
May she rest in peace.
January 9, 2015
Bebe Moore Campbell was truly an amazing person with so much talent the loss is clearly ours. Prayers fill our hearts and burst forth from our mouths to God asking him to let us remember clearly the love we have for this wonderful person gone from our lives never forgetting the joy we shared experiencing a great and authentic talent. Hebrews 6:10.
Stacey Willoughby
October 25, 2014
My god bless you
lynn Smith
August 29, 2014
My condolences to the family & friends..RIP..
Marcia Penn
August 26, 2014
I loved your books and the messages they gave to all of us.
Rest in peace Ms. Moore. You did a great job.
tiese delaney
August 6, 2014
This beautiful lady was my aunt an I just started reading her books omg should have started long ago miss u tete
Candice DeGraff
April 15, 2014
I found your books a delight to read. You will be missed.
Lisa slade
April 12, 2014
I love your work...RIP
March 15, 2014
3/15/14
Thanks for the beautiful lessons in your books. RIP
Barbara King, Locust Grove, GA
March 4, 2014
A gracious and respectable person as Bebe Moore Campbell whose work has done so much to bring so much joy and inspiration to many of us in these troubled times hard to deal with (2 Tim 3:1). Perhaps more will continue to have positive experiences from a wonderful work that has an impactful contribution to life and its anxieties.
Georgette Baker-Simmons
October 23, 2013
Thanks for setting a great example for us by speaking out about mental illness. It is the one topic we are absolutely mortified to speak about, as African-Americans. You built that bridge, so now, we can begin to cross over on it.
Georgette Baker
Lisa Hardy
October 20, 2013
You are one of my favorite authors....72 hour hold will forever remain close to my heart. RIP.
Denise Martin
October 14, 2013
R. I. P. BEBE
GERTRUDE LYONS
July 29, 2013
R.I.P. Your words will live on forever!
kim martin
December 29, 2012
Rest in paradise
Sharon Black
November 18, 2012
RIP Mother, Writer. Your sprite lives on
Angela Hill
November 16, 2012
R.I.P God Bless!
Garry Pierce
October 10, 2012
Thanks for the memories in your books. Your cousin from NC
September 24, 2012
You touched my heart and soul, and my family and I still feel your heart beating somewhere.
Rest In Peace.
Robert Moffitt, Jr.
9/24/2012
dewaun hunter
August 19, 2012
Rip bebe you are now with angels. You are in the pearly gates of heaven. You are at peace now.
Bonita Phinney
July 28, 2012
To a wonderful author whose spirit shall live on!!
July 27, 2012
shirla ann gatlin
Karol Robinson Logan
July 14, 2012
From a Girls High School friend still thinking about Bebe. Lost my husband and mom last year - she taught at GHS and also knew Bebe. It's difficult and everlasting but there is always the future to embrace with loved ones who are still here. This is how I hold on. Our high school reunions won't be the same without her. Love and comfort to her family!
September 17, 2011
To the family of Bebe Moore Campbell, my sincerest sympathies. May you find 5:28,29.
Netta D.
May 1, 2011
Wow! Talk about late. Sorry to hear the news. Read several of her books. RIP
S Rish
December 12, 2010
Wow! I just found out today! Talk about being on the late freight! I just opened E. Lynn Harris' book..."Just Too Good to Be True" and saw a "In Memory of" Bebe Moore Campbell!! RIP Ms. Campbell, I lost my brother in 2006 also!
Lucy Dennis
October 5, 2010
when Mrs. Moore passed away, I was dealing with death myself. I did not find out about her passing until 2 years later. She was my favorite author. Since then I have published a book and in the process of publishing another. I sure would have loved to let her know how she inspired me to accomplish a dream I have had forever. Thank you Mrs. BeBe
September 24, 2010
You were such a gifted writer. Your relative, Eddie N. Moore, Jr., was also our president here at Virginia State University.
August 17, 2010
4 ur daughter.
LaDora Wilcox
May 5, 2010
Thank you for giving us the memories
in your books. Your purpose here on earth was fullfiled. RIP
Vera Davis
March 30, 2010
When Ms. Moore passed away 4 years ago, I was reading her book 72 Hour Hold and living with a daughter with bi-polar disorder and substance abuse. Ms. Moore has been an inspiration to me to carry the torch in regard to how mental health impacts the family and the community where we live. I am a Marriage and Family Therapist in Southern California and I continue to deal with this issue personally and professionally. Ms. Campbell has been my inspiration to develop a non-profit organization to deal with the issue of mental illness in the African American family and she continues to be a guiding inspiration for the work that I do.
destiny cooper
January 22, 2010
destiny cooper
January 2, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Saundrea Hunter
December 10, 2009
Rest In Peace Ms. Campbell. You were truly one of the best.
Sandra Reeves-Parks
March 11, 2009
To the family of Ms. Bebe Moore Campbell, an author of tremendous insight into the lives of real people. My sister Vonda and I have collected all of her books. Moore family, you were blessed to have had her in your lives. An awesome woman!
Joyce Payne
December 14, 2008
Ms. Bebe Moore Campbell is an inspiration to me.I just bought " Sweet Summers..." today. To the family, God needed a brilliant writer, so, of course , He only wants and deserves the best.
KATHY MURRAY
October 31, 2008
I AM A BIG FAN OF YOUR WORK AND HAVE READ YOUR BOOKS. I WILL ALWAYS TREASURE THEM. MAY GOD BLESS YOUR FAMILY. MUCH LOVE AND RESPECT.
Darius Caine
October 4, 2008
Thank you Sista for all your efforts and accomplishments! Rest in GOD'S LOVE! BLESSINGS ALWAYS TO YOUR FAMILY!
October 1, 2008
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Wanisha
July 24, 2008
My condolences go out to the family. Loosing a loved one is never easy to get over. May the Almighty comfort them.
"[God] comforts us in all our tribulation that we may be able to comfort those in any sort of tribulation through the comfort with which we ourselves are being comforted by God." - 2 Corinthians 1:4
LaQuanda Ojepe
March 30, 2008
I am currently reading "72 Hour Hold", my favorite is always going to be "Your Blues Aint Like Mine" Reading "72 Hour Hold" has spread some new light on African Americans suffering from this popular hidden illness. I would love to thank her in memorial respect for reaching out and shinning some attention to this disease. "He will give you rest"
BJ Cook
March 29, 2008
I am so sad. I recently fell in love with Bebe Moore Campbell by reading her book, Sweet Summers. To discover she is gone makes me cry. I send hugs and tears to her family.
Tonja Hill
September 7, 2007
May God be with your family. I pray that your daughter doing well. If he brings you to it he will bring you through it. God Bless. Thanks for all the readings..
Margaret Lane
August 27, 2007
Forgive me for not knowing sooner about the demise of Mrs. Campbell. I read "Brothers and Sisters" and the clear and concise writng of Mrs. Campbell has never left me. It was a message with power. With all of my heart I hope God has you in His "Choir" today. Mr. Gordon, Maia and Ellis may your hearts heal and your memoires become stronger and brighter. You have been graced by a truly beautiful STAR.
With Love and Prayer
Margaret Lane 8/27/2007
melanie gray
July 28, 2007
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Patti Switzer Tindal
May 29, 2007
For the third time I am reading Mrs BeBe's book "Sweet Summer". She had a real knack for making her reader feel and understand what she was feeling. She was such a talent. The world is a better place for having her in it. I hope she has once again found "old men" and has been reunited with her beloved Daddy.
Enrika Judge
May 15, 2007
I am so sorry to hear of her death. She is one of my favorite authors - She gives it to you real! I will miss her work.
S Mac
May 3, 2007
I just heard of Ms. Campbell's death and I am deeply saddened. My sincere condolences to the family.
Yolanda Spears
March 8, 2007
I was not aware of BeBe Moore Campbell's death until watching the NAACP awards. I was devastated. She was so young and just a wonderful writer. Bebe has a long list of accomplishments, however, reading her written word was always a joy and thought provoking. My book club often read her books and we were always amazed at her insight on life and issues. She will be missed so much. I know God is holding her in his hands where she will forever be at peace. Love you much Bebe. Thanks for the laughter and tears.
To the Family: I'm sorry for your lost. Be strong make her proud. Your happiness will make her smile. Take care
Candice Muhammad
March 2, 2007
My sincerest condolences to the family. Mrs Campbell was one of God's angels who touched so many with her amazing gift as an author. Her spirit will live on as generations to come are blessed with the oppurtunity to read her literary works. She will truly be missed!!
Stephanie Walker
February 20, 2007
My heart and prayer goes out to the family of a wonderful author who has a wonderful heart and a beautiful spirit. I did not know her personally but she is her words.
Dee Westbrook
January 26, 2007
I was shocked to recently hear that one of my favorite authors, Bebe Moore Campbell, had passed away. I had no clue and then when I found out it was a few months ago from a terrible illness, I was even more saddened. Sickness and death were not what our Creator intended for mankind. Thankfully, He promises to bring about an end to these horrible conditions. Until that time, I hope that the Moore Campbell family can keep their faith in God strong and that they will lean on each other for support. My sincerest condolences. I hope you find these Bible passages of comfort: Revelation 21:3,4 and 2 Corinthians 1:3,4
michele stevens
January 12, 2007
Family, we move on but there is always that void. I have choosen to read all your books over. You will be sorely missed but you are with the greats now. Be Blessed. And thank God I was introducted to your writings.
Stephanie Griffin
January 5, 2007
I wish to express my condolences to the Bebe Moore Campbell family. The family are in my prayers. I was so sad when I heard about Bebe's passing. I have been so touched over the years by her books. I am thankful she touched so many lives through her work, especially helping the Black community come to terms with mental health issues. She will be missed.
TAMARA NILES
December 28, 2006
I'M JUST ANOTHER READER OF HER MOST CAPTIVATING STORIES. I'LL ALL WAYS CHERISH HER NOVELS. I WOULD LIKE TO TELL HER HUSBAND AND CHILDREN THAT GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF YOU ALL DURING YOUR BEREAVEMENT AND HE'LL LEAD YOU TO A FULFILLED LIFE WHEN MEMORIES OF MS. CAMPBELL BECOME SOMETHING YOU ALL CAN SMILE AND YES, LAUGH ABOUT LATER.
MAIA: REMEMBER HOW STRONG YOUR MOTHER WAS FOR YOU AND HOW SHE STOOD BY YOUR SIDE DURING YOUR TRYING TIMES, DON'T LET GO AND LET THE DEVIL SUCCEED. STAY IN A PRAYING MODE FOR GOD TO BLOSSOM THROUGH YOU. DON'T SHAME YOUR MOTHER'S MEMORY OR HAVE YOURSELF REGRETTING THINGS LATER. TRUST ME IT WILL GET BETTER SOMEDAY. AND IF YOU LET GOD LEAD, IT WILL BE SOON.
YOU ARE ALL IN MY PRAYERS.
Diahann Brown
December 27, 2006
To the Campbell family,
Ms. Campbell's words are immortalized in her writings. It is such a joy to know that future generations will be reading her works. Her voice will be missed.
Diahann
MAAT Book Club member
DARNELL LEDBETTER
December 26, 2006
YOU WILL BE MISSED!
Yolanda Scott
December 25, 2006
I had been a long time fan of your work. Among my favorite were What you Owe Me and Your Blues Ain't Like Mine. I had no idea that I would ever have the opportunity to meet you much less speak with you. I am so grateful that you touched my life. I will never forget my mother and I were both reading your book What you owe me and it was one of the first times that I truly felt a close bond with my mother. I had the opportunity to tell you of my gratitude when you visited my church Hillside Chapel and Truth Center. I remember you gave me big hug and thanked me. I had no idea that we would lose you so soon. I love you, I appreciate you, I bless you and I thank God for you and your presence in the world and my life. I will miss you but you will live on in the lives you've touch and the ones you have yet to touch. Journey well. Until we meet again.
Traci Hillard
December 25, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Annie ANDERSON
December 23, 2006
BEBE, I LOVE YOU FOREVER--YOU TAUGHT ME REALLY WHAT READING ENLIGHTMENT IS ALL ABOUT, AND I'LL MISS YOUR WRITINGS.
S. Torrence
December 20, 2006
What a gift Ms. Campbell was! Now she's sharing her talents on the other side. She will be deeply missed here. My blessings to her family and friends.
Paula Bess
December 20, 2006
SOROR,
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR WONDERFUL BOOKS. NOW YOU ARE GOD'S AUTHOR.
MY PRAYERS ARE WITH THE FAMILY.
Carolyn Jefferson-Paige
December 18, 2006
My condolences to the family. What a wonderful author - she truly had and was a gift from God. Although she will be missed, she will not be fogrotten - always in our hearts.
Elvert Howard Jr.
December 17, 2006
Hers was a gift of love, a miracle of life for all the world to see and experience forever. Rest peacefully Mrs. Campbell. You and your works will be truly missed.
lisa howell
December 16, 2006
we have surely lost a wonderful author. please know that you are loved and missed.
The Aminia Book Club
December 16, 2006
We really enjoyed reading all of Bebe's books. She will be truly missed!
Coretha Cook
December 15, 2006
It has only been in the last month that I discovered her wonderful books. I will make sure to secure everything she has written and share her work with others so that she will continue to live on. My condolences to the family.
TRINA BRITT-MCDONALD
December 15, 2006
To the Family you are definitely in my prayers! She has touched me and so many that I've introduced to her.I will miss her, but she will live on forever!I will pass all of her books that I have collected onto my grand children and great grand for that matter. To the family we love her and you! Keep praising God for you will see her waiting to meet you at those pearly gates!! His eye is on the Sparrow!
TrinaRenee,
Kim Lane
December 13, 2006
I've always been very intrugued by Bebe Moore Campbell. It has now become my top priority to read all of her creative talent have produced. Her energy and spirit will live on. God Bless and keep one and all.
V. Green
December 13, 2006
A Beautiful spirit, a wonderful writer...a terrible loss.
"God will provide"
LaQuanna Lightfoot
December 13, 2006
Your legacy will live through your words...it has touched many lives
Mr Charles McDuff
December 13, 2006
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.
Mary Jefferson
December 13, 2006
To the family:
I purchased her book: "Your Blues Is Not Like My Blues" when it first his newsstand. I've never read it--now it's at the top of my book reading.
Mary Jefferson
Debra Huff
December 13, 2006
Thank God for her life. Her words have made me think twice about my family. Remember the good and thank God for that. God Bless the family and thank you for her.
ERICA
December 13, 2006
I remember her first book and I am saddened to know we have lost her. God Bless her family.
Shaaron Flagg
December 13, 2006
With my Deepest Sympathy to the Family. I will truly miss her writings.
taj anwar
December 12, 2006
Maia. I'm so sorry.
You're in my prayers.
Tanya Fulton
December 12, 2006
First let me extend my deepest sympathy the family. I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you now how BeBe Moore Campbell's writings changed my life. I am so grateful to God for her life and legacy. It is my sincere prayer that God will continue to keep you in His care.
Debra Pinkett
December 12, 2006
I knew Bebe when her daughter Maia attended The Winchester School, which is a private school in Silver Spring. She had an Afro and was a single mom. Her daughter, Maia, was very petite with soft, curly hair and a smooth, caramel complexion. When Kindergarten graduation came around, we both had roles in putting together the program, which I'm sure I still have. I was unable to afford the school after that year (being a single mom myself) and was thrilled when I saw Bebe's first book and have read nearly all of her books.
My prayers and thoughts are with her family.
Michele Greene
December 12, 2006
My condolences to the family and may God bless you as well. I never met this beautiful child of God, but I feel that I knew her through her books. Thank You
Michele
Nash Mitchell
December 10, 2006
Thank you for your contribution to the writing world.
Joy Rodgers
December 8, 2006
To The Family:
Our Father has come to take his little girl home. Her work is done on this earth and she will one day be reborn to a day Anew. May our sister "Rest her head in Peace". "Hang in there Maia, God will only give you what you can handle but, if you find your life pallet is too full, give the weight to Him." God Bless.
NeSheryl
December 7, 2006
I am so sorry to hear of Bebe's passing. I know that we have lost a great person and litereary figure. She has gone home to her father in heaven and will continue to live through her books and family. You are in my prayers.
Kameelah Brown
December 7, 2006
I met this outstanding lady in Miami, Florida during the release of her book "What you owe me." I think it was in 2001. She was so poised and beautiful. It hurt me so to hear of her passing. Sister Bebe your legacy will live on through your family, friends and definitely your fans. Thank you for such powerful books that made us all think, laugh and cry. We love you and will miss you!
Karen Brown
December 6, 2006
To the family of Bebe Moore Campbell, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I met Bebe 5 or 6 years ago here in Texas through The Black Bookworm CEO, Sonia Williams-Babers and several of us developed a close relationship with her. She was a beautiful person and a true lady. We will miss her dearly, but will cherish our time with her. God bless the family, friends and her many fans!
Joycelyn Lynum
December 6, 2006
The prayers are going out to the family of Bebe Moore Campbell. God Bless You and Keep You In His Care.
Ella Major
December 5, 2006
I have enjoyed reading Mrs. Moore's many book's. She wrote about things that were actually happening around me,as if she knew my family, relatives, friends, and neighbors. She will truly be missed.
Rashanda Perryman
December 5, 2006
When I told me mother that Bebe Moore Campbell died she said, "I didn't see it on the news!"
To my very favorite author whose writing inspired me, my aunts and my mother. You will be missed!
Nicquel Burdette
December 5, 2006
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bebe Moore Campbell is a name that will always be recogized as a great author. She inspired me to read which now inspires my daughter...
Margo Hazzard
December 4, 2006
What a wonderful gift to the world.
She made a mark that cannot be erased. She introduced me to great African-American authors. I will pray that you will be uplifted and healed over time. Blessings & Joy
Delois Bearden
December 3, 2006
Bebe campbell was an outsanding author and will be missed by her readers.She had a colorful spirit that will live in the hearts of others until the end of time. My condolences to the family.
nancy williams
December 2, 2006
i know that your father was there to meet yoy
R. Wickham Jones
December 2, 2006
To Mrs. Cambell's Family and Friends...There are no words that can replace the love and hurt you feel now, but I pray that you will find peace and comfort as time goes on. Bebe Moore Campbell was a wonderful flower in God's garden. We don't understand why he picked her for his bouquet at such a young age but know that he can do anything but fail. May he bless and keep in his loving care, until you see her again.
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