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John Camper Obituary
John Henry Camper, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and uncle, went home to be with the Lord on March 9, 2014 after a lengthy illness.
He was the fourth of six children born to William and Ellen Camper in Jacksonville, FL on December 31, 1921, and was a member of Mount Zion A.M.E. Church, where he was baptized at the age of twelve. Upon his graduation from Stanton High School, he attended Edward Waters Jr. College (now Edward Waters College), where he received his Associate's Degree, and went on to earn his Bachelor's Degree from Georgia State College (now Savannah State University). He also earned his Master's Degree from New York University. Mr. Camper came to Oxnard, CA in 1958, and made history as the first African American Principal in Ventura County for the Ventura School for Girls, now the California Youth Authority.
He was an active member of the NAACP, served as a Boy Scout Leader, and was an avid Civil Rights Activist. He was a College Instructor at his alma mater, Savannah State College, and was a principal of an elementary school in Dixie, GA. Mr. Camper served as Superintendent of Pomona Adult Education and Superintendent of Education at the California Institute for Women. He was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps and received a Congressional Gold Medal in recognition for his historical service as a Montford Point Marine. Mr. Camper was also the recipient of the Pioneer Award from the Ventura County NAACP. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Incorporated for sixty seven years, and authored two books on Education and Psychology. He was also a member of St. Paul Baptist Church in Oxnard, CA.
Mr. Camper is survived by his daughter, Olga Rene Camper Stewart (Vincent Stewart), a sister Eloise Cross, three grandsons, Anthony Camper, Christopher Camper, and Joshua Camper (Jennifer), four great-granddaughters, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
He is preceded in death by four siblings and his daughter Terri Jo Camper. To sign the family's on line guestbook, share stories, and post pictures please visit our website: www.garciamortuaryoxnard.com and click on Mr. Camper's name located below "Obituaries". Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Garcia Mortuary, 629 South A Street, Oxnard. For further information, please call (805) 486-9148.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Camper
Sponsored by Olga Rene Camper.
Olga Rene Camper
January 15, 2016
I misss yu so much daddy!
July 8, 2015
I thought of you this morning. I laughed, I smiled I cried
It seems it's always in the dawning that you lay heavily on my mind.
If only I could hear your voice, feel your touch again
Hear you say I love you daughter and see your quirky grin
But daddy you were quite the dad, And I never felt unloved
And as I hold close the memories, I know you're smiling from above.
Your loving daughter.
~Rene Camper-Stewart 7/8/15 6:30AM
sharon taylor
April 6, 2015
We are so sorry for the loss of your father prayers
November 11, 2014
Thank you for your service daddy. I miss you so very much!!
Your loving daughter,
Olga Rene Camper
MPM John Camper with Commadant Amos
Olga Rene Camper
September 14, 2014
It has been a little over six months since your earthly body departed us. Not a day since then has gone by that I do not think of you and often times, I cry. But daddy, I also laugh thinking of the fun we have had from the time I was a baby to March 9, 2014. I love you Daddy.
Olga Rene Camper
June 22, 2014
Thinking of you daddy. Missing you so very much.
He will be a light unto your feet...
Elayssandria Kasongo
April 11, 2014
Mr.Camper, you will truly be missed. Now you are joining all of the other special lights of love that are so special to us. Thank you for what you were able to give us in advice, wisdom and Fatherly caring. Thank you and may God Bless your new and precious journey. May the love and light of God forever embrace you until we meet again.
Phyllis Davis
April 11, 2014
Rest in paradise Mr. Camper.
Rene Camper
April 10, 2014
Remembering you daddy yesteday, tody and always. Thank you for being the best father anyone could ask for. xoxoxo
See you when I get there!
cathie williams
March 15, 2014
Renee that was such a beautiful home going for your dad, it was so encouraging , my love and blessings to you and your family , I was really touched at the service.
PASTOR KALVEN HARRISON
March 14, 2014
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
GARY & OPHELIA ROBINSON
March 14, 2014
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love of God. May the divine peace of God rest rule and abide with you and your family.
Ralph Reynaud
March 14, 2014
As a Montford Point Marine, Mr. Camper helped to conquer discrimination's scene;
as an Educator, Mr. Camper battled ignorance; and his Signature of Person through Living Memory is an Eternal Flame ever free illuminating brightly!
Ouida & Bro Opio
Larry and June Haynes
March 13, 2014
Condolences and Prayers going up for you Rene and Vince. Larry and I would like to express our deepest sympathies, you did all that you could for your Dad and I know God is pleased with you. Your Dad fought the good fight and now God gave him rest.
Betty Lomax
March 13, 2014
A life well lived and a life celebrated.. God's comfort and peace to the Camper Family!
Patterson Family
March 13, 2014
Comfort, Peace and Blessings to the entire Camper Family.
Isaiah 61:1-3
Marcia Dixon
March 13, 2014
Many blessings and much comfort and Shalom Peace I speak unto this beautiful family! Rest assured knowing that Mr Camper is in the best hands of all, our Heavenly Father's! He ran a great race and raised a wonderful family! He will receive a great reward! Well done Mr Camper, well done
March 13, 2014
MY DEEPEST CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. YOUR LOSS IS GREAT BUT GOD'S LOVE IS "GREATER THAN YOUR HEARTS"
(1 JOHN 3:20) TAKE COMFORT IN KNOWING HOW MUCH HE CARES.
SINCERELY JT
Kenyatta, Destiny, Little Paul and Darryl Jr.
March 12, 2014
Job well done Mr. Camper, and peace be unto the Camper family. Many prayers are headed up on your behalf during this time of transition. Bless you all
Fern Williams
March 12, 2014
Blessings to the entire Camper family.
Eileen Pinkard
March 12, 2014
My deepest condolences to you Rene & Vincent and your family.
Rochelle Davis
March 12, 2014
Nae I was sorry to hear about your daddy, he is in a better place in heaven with our lord. No more pain just joy home with our heavenly father. You and yours are in my prayers stay strong, Love
Ruby Gaston
March 12, 2014
Rene, Vince and Family. My deepest condolences to you in the lost of your dad. I knew him through you, what a life well lived. Just remember you will see him again in glory. May it comfort you to know that you were a dedicated and committed daughter. May God continue to bless and keep you and family in his tender loving care.
March 12, 2014
What a domestic and social legacy this man has left behind! Thank you, Mr. Camper, for your years of service and for giving your children a parent to willingly look after in your later years. Our prayers and sympathies are with the family. Best wishes. Rev. Mark & Evang. Bernice Gaston
Les Cadiente
March 12, 2014
RIP To a great achiever!
Erika Bell
March 12, 2014
My condolences to the Camper Family
Linda Calderon
March 12, 2014
Sending blessings and love to the Camper family. May the Lord lift you all up and give you His perfect peace.
Stephanie Moss
March 12, 2014
Our sympathies go out to the Camper family
sharon taylor
March 12, 2014
God bless you and your family from the Taylor family
Gregory Gardner
March 12, 2014
Condolences
Dollie McArthur
Gregory & Icemae Gardner
BILLY DEDRICK
March 12, 2014
"Well done thy good and faithful servant, come on up God has said!"
Denise Lewis- Reiser
March 12, 2014
May you forever walk in peace with our Lord Jesus. Peace and loving prayers to the Camper Family
Caryn and David Gonzales
March 12, 2014
May he rest in peace and may God bless him and your family in this difficult time!!! How awesome is it that he is with our Heavenly Father!!!
Renae Brown
March 12, 2014
Rene God bless you and your family . Your dad is at peace now Terri is going to keep him busy.
March 12, 2014
Good-night! good-night! as we so oft have said
Beneath this roof at midnight, in the days
That are no more, and shall no more return.
Thou hast but taken up thy lamp and gone to bed;
I stay a little longer, as one stays
To cover up the embers that still burn.
Go Bless you and your family.
The Madison Family
Maria Lupe Soto Vasquez
March 12, 2014
The angels are rejoycing, about now as Mr. Camper reaches our heavens. So happy his kindred spirit, is home with his eternal father. Wow what a legacy you have left for your daughters, family & friends. Forever in our hearts & memories. Rest in peace. Thoughts & prayers to my friend Rene & family.
Rodney Ivey
March 12, 2014
A real soldier for the Civil Rights movement. What an impressive Legacy. Job well done.
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