Ethelia "Thebe" A. Campbell Worden

Ethelia Ann Campbell Worden, affectionately known by friends and family as Thebe, passed away peacefully in Baytown, Texas on December 1, 2022.

Born in De Queen, Arkansas on November 20, 1927, Thebe grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas where her oratory and acting skills landed her the lead in most of the school plays. In high school, she spent legislative sessions as a Page at the state capitol in Little Rock, Arkansas, cementing a lifelong interest in civic duty and Democratic politics.

Her love of theater took her to Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia; she later transferred to and graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville with a bachelor’s degree in Education. Even into her twilight years, she enjoyed cheering on the Razorbacks football team.

She moved to Texas in 1952, and although she always considered herself an Arkansan at heart, she made a significant impact on the world from her home in Baytown, Texas. Her rich life was marked by her role as a mother and grandmother, dedication to her faith and the United Methodist Church, commitment to volunteer service, and a 30-year career as an English teacher at Cedar Bayou Junior High.

Often noted for being kind, loving and selfless, she was adored by her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She traveled often to spend time with family, from Galveston to West Virginia to New York City and even Argentina.

Her generous spirit was often seen in her work at Saint Mark’s UMC, where she started a Singles class and regularly taught Sunday School. As President of Church Women United, she spent many hours managing the CWU Thrift Shop, the proceeds of which benefited the Church Women United Childcare Center in Baytown.

Her several leadership roles within United Methodist Women over the years eventually culminated in her role as Conference President at the age of 80, which required logging many miles in the car and several speaking engagements across the state. In her role as a spokesperson, she advocated on behalf of members for important causes on everything from air pollution to social justice.
She is survived by daughters Scottie McDowell and Thebe Warren. She was known and loved as Maman by her grandchildren and their spouses: Clark and Monique McDowell; Ashley and Tino Tovo; Lauren McDowell and Ben Berkowitz; Charlsey and Kyle Stroud; and Graham and Elizabeth Warren. Great grandchildren carrying on her legacy include Brie and Clark Junior McDowell; Campbell, Emmy and Tino Tovo; Kenneth and Brooks Stroud; and Gigi Warren.

She is pre-deceased by parents Robbie Ethel Shull and James Reid Campbell, Jr.; brothers Robert Scott Campbell and James Reid Campbell III; and grandson Andrew Scott McDowell.

A memorial service will be held Friday, December 9 at 1 p.m. at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3811 North Main Street. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Thebe’s name to St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, where funds will be earmarked to support women and children’s ministries or relief efforts through UMC Global Ministries. Donations can be made at https://stmarksbaytown.com/give or by calling (281) 427-7335.

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