Mabel Vinson Camp's Obituary
Mabel (Mae) Vinson Camp passed away peacefully at her home on November 23, 2016 at the age of 94. Mae was born October 11, 1922, in Mingo County, West Virginia. Mae was the oldest of 15 children born to Douglas and Dora (Spears) Vinson. She has 2 brothers and 2 sisters; Estil and Douglas Vinson and Aline Scites and Lydia McKenzie that remain. Mae moved to San Diego in 1942 with her first child Charles. Her daughters, Patricia and Margaret were born in San Diego. Married to F. LeRoy Camp on January 11, 1963 and was widowed in 2008. Above all Mae was dedicated and devoted to her faith and family. She was happiest doing community service work. Serving many families throughout the 50 years she was involved in the La Mesa Seventh-Day Adventist Church Community service ministry. She was the President of Community Services Federation, Conference Disaster Coordinator for the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists for over 30 years. She retired on October 11, 2016. Mae was blessed with a lot of spiritual gifts (talents). She learned at a very young age the gift of caring and helping others. She helped care for her younger siblings and ageing grandparents. Pathfinders is a club for 9-16 year old boys and girls. Mae was very involved in the San Diego Broadway Seventh-Day Adventist Church’s club by teaching sewing, knitting, crochet, cooking, and many different kinds of crafts so the kids could earn their honors. Mae and LeRoy were very involved with disaster care and relief by helping those that were evacuated due to fires, earthquakes, flooding, or hurricanes thru the American Red Cross and the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. Mae and Le Roy volunteered, every week, at the La Mesa Seventh-Day Adventist church’s Community Service ministry. Over 75 families were provided with food commodities, bread, fruits and vegetables that are provided by “Feeding America” and many local businesses. Mae served over 50 years as a community service leader and president of Community Services Federation and Conference Disaster Coordinator for the Southeastern California Conference of Seventh-Day Adventists. Mae continued to volunteer every Monday and second Tuesday of each month at the La Mesa Seventh-day Adventist Church serving many families food that was provided by “Feeding America.” Mae created a “Baby Love” minister – which provided new mothers a complete new born starter kit which included a bassinet that was filled with everything that was needed for the baby plus one hand-made baby’s quilt & crocheted or knitted outfit. Mae is survived by her blended family of four children; Duane & Janet Camp, Darlene Fisher, Charles & Connie Brown and Margaret & Richard Fickess and Patricia’s husband Gary Morgan; grand children; Jill, Brent, Tina, Rickie, Chaz, Cliff and Glen; Seven great grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. Mae truly was a gift from God to so many people. Her inspiration was beyond measure. Her smile (which was very contagious), work ethic, love of God has touched many hearts. She will be missed but never forgotten. We are all better people from knowing her. Family and friends will celebrate her life January 15, 2017 at the La Mesa Seventh-Day Adventist Church, 4207 Spring Gardens Rd., La Mesa, CA 91941 at 11am. Richard Nubern wrote this poem about Mae Camp and read it to her at her retirement/Birthday celebration on October 9, 2016 held at the Southeastern California Conference of the Seventh-Day Adventists in La Sierra, CA“I Was Just A Vessel” I did not know when I started That I would work so long But in the years and days ahead I was never left alone God was always beside me He filled me with His strength And I always got a blessing Regardless of where I went And even in these moments When now I’m frail and gray God continues to bless me What more can I say? I thank Him for His wisdom He guides me every day He gave me friends and loved ones And flowers along the way I long to see my Savior My work, I did for Him He’s coming back someday soon I want to be ready for Him
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