Virginia Irene Atkins Campbell

Mrs. Virginia Irene Atkins Campbell, 75, of 541 Simpson Road, Mount Airy, passed away Sunday morning, January 18, 2009, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mrs. Campbell was born March 20, 1933, in Surry County, the first child born to the late James Monroe and Lena Marion Atkins. She retired from Pine State Knitwear after 22 years of service and was a lifetime member of Piney Grove Baptist Church. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, Carolyn and Jerry Sawyers of Mount Airy, Cheryl and Ken Story of Winston-Salem, and Kathy and Tim Creed of Siloam; six grandchildren and their spouses, Beth and Brian Gossett of Winston-Salem, Trevis and Wendy Sawyers of Mount Airy, Chris Layton of Wilmington, Jon and Andrea Layton of Walkertown, Sgt. Bryan Creed of Afghanistan, and Amanda Creed and fiance, Brandon Chilton, of Greensboro; five great-grandchildren, Melissa Gossett, Lazarus Gossett, and Brian Gossett, Jr., all of Winston-Salem, Nicole Sawyers of Mount Airy, and Baby Boy Chilton, expected April 2009; a sister and brother-in law, Blanche and Charles Brintle of Mount Airy; a special niece, Amy Nowlin of Mount Airy; a special cousin, Jessie Stewart of Dobson; numerous aunts and cousins; and many special friends. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Campbell was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Campbell. A service to celebrate Irene's life will be held Wednesday, January 21, 2009, at 2:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church. The service will be conducted by the Rev. Carlton S. McDaniel, Sr., the Rev. Kermit L. Gray, the Rev. Mark A. Reece, Jr., and the Rev. Todd E. Byrd, and burial will follow in the Piney Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 to 9:00 PM at Piney Grove Baptist Church. The family has requested that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Piney Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1022, Mount Airy, NC 27030.