Life goes on but it certainly won’t be the same in many ways. “How to Cope with the Death of a Loved One” is Hector Campbell’s story.

Clarabell Allen Campbell, Lenna, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. They were married for 67 years! She was the love of his life through many trials and struggles.

That’s life and marriage or relationships in general. You give and take and keep moving forward. We don’t all hold out “until death” to part. But it can be a bitter-sweet blessing when it works out that way.

How-to-Cope-with-the-Death-of-a-Lovedbell-One-Hector's-Story-Claranell

You May Have Lost a Loved One | It Hurts!

Have you lost a loved one? It hurts regardless of how that person dies. For example, we can experience some kind of relief especially when there is a terminal illness and we know the person no longer suffers.

How do you cope or how are you coping? There’s no easy answer nor is there a one solution fits all. In essence, we grieve similarly yet differently, depending on our circumstances, personalities, and support group.

However, one thing some people may find helpful is to cherish the good memories. On the contrary, the not-so-good memories play an important part too.

That’s because they are all a critical part of the relationship you once shared. It’s the cycle of life; therefore, we experience a wide range of positive or negative emotions.

On the other hand, some of these not-so-good memories may be the reason for your growth in one way or the other. Subsequently, we learn from mistakes or other incidents that can make us stronger.

If you want to add your voice, I would love to have your input. Share with us how you are doing after a loss.

Until Death Do We Part | The Love of My Life

Here’s what Mr. Campbell, my dad, has to say pertaining to losing his wife, my mother.

I am thankful for the opportunity to have Clarabell in my life for all these years. She had been a wonderful life partner and mother. This was, indeed, the love of my life!

Naturally, we have had many misunderstandings and arguments throughout the years. Despite all of that, we overcame them through love, commitment, and our faith in Christ.

I look forward to seeing her again whenever the Lord makes that possible. She was solid in her salvation and I know where she is–that glorious land where she is relieved from all suffering.

My advice to everyone is to trust the Lord when things get tough. He can turn things around in His time and according to His will. It is also important to pray and have a positive attitude.

Thank God, Clarabell and I made it to the end. To God be the glory, great things He has done!

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Hector and Clarabell Campbell

To Everything There is a Season | Beginning to End

There is a beginning and an end when it comes to physical life. The body degenerates, usually more rapidly as we get older. And life can take on a new meaning as we go through changes.

How do we cope with the death of a loved one? There are many answers coming from professional experts and those who have experienced loss firsthand.

Likewise, many who haven’t felt the grief of losing someone close to them will also try to provide words of comfort. Many times these words will provide temporary relief.

This may be compared to the relief one gets from taking a painkiller to temporary mask the pain. However, it doesn’t go away in an instant. And, maybe, it never will.

Because we heal differently, it’s hard to determine how one person will react from another. As a result, we have to learn to be sympathetic towards each other.

For example, we can’t tell someone who’s hurting to just forget and move on. Of course, there will be time to move on, in some cases. But remember to show compassion.

In any event, only time will tell how well they are doing in any given season of life.

Tribute to Mom | Acronym

How-to-Cope-with-the-Death-of-a-Loved-One-Hector's-Story-Clarabell Acronym

Eulogy | The Life of a Loved One

Clarabell Campbell was born February 28, 1930 at Whyms Road, St. James, Jamaica, to Amanda Gardener and John Allen. She was the youngest of her siblings and have outlived them.

Her mother brought her up in the Baptist church and she was baptized at the tender age of nine. She also attended the Hastings Primary School at Deeside, Trelawny, after which she learned dressmaking.

Subsequently, she moved to Montego Bay and lived for a while with one of her older sisters.

Clarabell met Hector Campbell while working next door to one of his jobs. They got married in 1955, and celebrated 67 years of marriage on November 6, 2022.

Hector and Clarabell had six children together–Ernel (who passed away on December 13, 2015), Errol, Vernel, Veron, Lavern, and Rose. She was also blessed with a stepdaughter, Paulette.

As was customary in those days, she was mainly a stay-at-home mom taking care of her children with the help of her mother.

Eulogy | The Life and Passing of a Loved One

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Clarabell Campbell

The young couple made their home in Mt. Salem and later moved to Jarrett Terrace, Barnett Heights. And it was their pleasure to accommodate many family members and friends from near and far, including all over the world.

They started visiting the Mt. Salem Open Bible Church while living in Mt. Salem and then became members. She participated in activities and took part in the Women’s World Fellowship (WWF).

Some years later she decided to return to her Baptist roots and joined the Calvary Baptist Church and was also a member of the Sunday School. She attended services up to the point where her health began deteriorating a few years ago.

Her children and grandchildren can recall the many Jamaican proverbs she quoted. How many times have we heard these sayings when she wanted to pass on life lessons to us…

  • “Dawg drink water seh fi yuh fi yuh.”
  • Shame no load, but i bruk neck.”
  • “Payshent man ride donki.”

We must pass them on to the future generations.

Clarabell was a stalwart of her family and will be missed by all who knew her.

Acknowledgment | Thank You

We, Hector Campbell and family, extend our gratitude to friends and family for your prayers, acts of kindness, and general support.

Some of you have been with us on a journey spanning decades. You have shared the good and bad times, joys and sorrows, births and deaths.

For those of you who have traveled from overseas to be at the memorial service, we are grateful for your love and sacrifice.

To everyone near and far, we thank you. If you felt you have been left out in any way, it was not intentional. God knows only He has carried us this far and will continue to carry us

May the Lord bless you and your families!

Please feel free to leave your comments below. Share how you have coped or are coping with the loss of a loved one. We could all benefit from meaningful advice.

Veron Lee Campbell, Administrator of this website; daughter of Hector and Clarabell Campbell | The Way 4WordEnterprises

8 thoughts on “How to Cope with the Death of a Loved One | Hector’s Story

  1. I never understood how hard it is to cope with losing a loved one until I lost my father. I was beside him and watched him depart from this world. I fought the memory of his last moments for months. I kept seeing him in my dreams. It continued until I started talking about him and sharing my thought about him with my siblings. It took a long time to let go but the secret is in talking about him with others 

    1. Hi Parameter:

      Thank you for sharing your story. I’m sorry that you lost your dad. Although those last moment were painful for you, a part of you may have been happy you were there for him in that way. 

      I totally agree with you about talking with others. It helps. We need all the support we can get, especially in these circumstances.

      I pray you and your family will continue to heal as you share the memories of your dad.

      All the best,

      Veron

  2. I thank you Veron for such an inspirational and heartwarming read. It is obvious to me you love your mother and both your parents very much!

    Losing a loved one is difficult no matter our age or circumstance. I saw this firsthand through the loss of my father to Huntington’s Disease. Things get messy. Life, diseases and everyday situations can be ugly.

    Praise God there is hope through faith in the finished work and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ!

    1. Hi Joseph:

      Thank you for reading my article and sharing your thoughts and story. I’m so sorry you lost your father to Huntington’s Disease. 

      I worked as a Certified Nursing Assistant, and have seen the effects of these kinds of diseases. It’s hard on families and other loved ones. It’s hard on professional caregivers too.

      You are right: I love my parents and the value they passed on to us. It’s an eternal blessing.

      Keep the faith!

      Veron

    2. Hi Veron:

      This is such a beautiful read. You are so good at putting words together. I know this is your passion.

      I have known you for almost forty years and know how much you love your parents and family. I lost my mom over 40 years ago and my dad about 5 years ago, so I know firsthand what this loss feels like and how hard it is to get over.

      However, with time it gets easier and as the saying goes, “time heals wounds” and life goes on. Although we are hurting we have to be strong and live in hope that we will be reunited with our loved ones at some point.

      Once again, my sincerest condolences to you, your dad and the rest of the family on the passing of the matriarch of the family. She lived a long life. May her soul R.I.P.

      Keep strong my friend!

      Your friend,

      Vanet

      1. My dear Vanet:

        Thank you for your ever faithful support throughout the years! I know you understand what this kind of loss is like. Support like yours helps to make it easier to bear, as we know “No man is an island.”

        Memories are precious, and we can relive moments we have spent with them from time to time. It’s also true that we can laugh even in the midst of all this as we remember times shared together.

        I appreciate you and the time you took to read, comment, and just being a great friend!

        Thank you.

        Veron

  3. Thank you for sharing her story so the memory of her will always remain.

    I am truly grateful to be her grand daughter and to have shared lasting memories with her. She is greatly missed.

    I aim to make her and my grandfather proud each and every day.

    Love you Aunty!

    1. Hi Hyeisha:

      It’s a pleasure to use this avenue to share the love of my parents, your grandparents. Thank you for commenting here and for appreciating the legacy we have as a family.

      We have a solid foundation we can always be proud of. They have supported us in their own way and we are blessed.

      Let’s keep supporting each other. Much love!

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