Maysel Cato Seals Campbell was born to Maysel Cato Seals and Winfred Norwood Seals on December 3rd, 1940 in Jacksonville, Florida. Cato peacefully joined the Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, November 28th, 2021. She passed away at the age of 80 in her home in Brooker, Florida surrounded by her family.
Cato graduated from Landon High School in 1958 and attended Florida State University (Tallahassee, FL) where she participated in the FSU circus as a trapeze performer. She later attended the University of Florida (Gainesville, FL). Cato was employed by Southern Bell from 1960-1971. Cato was a stay-at-home mother of three sons and multiple foster children for a time. She began her career as an educator at Countryside Christian School (Gainesville, FL) where she lovingly assisted in educating students from 1976-1990. Cato was known by her students for being fun, tough, and thoughtful. She made Countryside Christian School a beautiful place for students to attend by creating art on campus. Former students share that Mrs. Campbell always lovingly challenged them to do their best. After retiring from education, Cato worked at Santa Fe College Administration (Gainesville, FL) from 1990-2006. At Santa Fe College, Cato created many devoted friendships with her co-workers where she was described as honest, diligent, hard-working, flawless, and knowledgeable in every area of her profession.
Cato enjoyed creating beautiful works of art following in her mother’s footsteps and spending time with her family. Service to others was the hallmark of Cato’s life. Cato was a believer in Jesus Christ and was a devoted member of Southside/Countryside Baptist Church for 50 years. She passionately shared the gospel as often as she could. Cato served in ministry by consistently helping in the nursery, Sunday School, and playing the piano in worship services occasionally. Throughout her life Cato loved painting, camping, teaching, reading, singing, and watching classic movies, but her greatest happiness came from spending time with family and friends.
Cato was preceded in death by her mother, Maysel Cato Seals, father, Winfred Norwood Seals, and her brother, Wade Seals. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Stuart Campbell; three sons, Dean (Amy), Chad (Jeanne), Timothy (Dawn); seven grandchildren, Tracy Crawford, Wade Campbell, Holly (Jordan) Jabbar, Caleb Campbell, Keith Campbell, Coleman Campbell, Sara Campbell, Abby Grace Campbell; great-granddaughter, Josie Mae; sister, Myrtie (Mel) Schoychid, sister-in-law, Gail (Wade) Seals, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Cato Campbell’s funeral service will be held on the date of her birthday, Friday, December 3rd, at 1:00pm at Countryside Baptist Church’s Cemetery. Following Cato’s wishes, everyone is invited to a celebration of her life at a short graveside service with a meal and fellowship following at Countryside Baptist Church.
