IRENE CAMP

Irene Camp, our cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and treasured friend, passed away December 17 in Panama City, FL, knowing that she was dearly loved. She was the ideal model of a loving, devoted mother and grandmother who was always wonderfully gracious and ever thoughtful of putting the needs of others before her own. She was born to Naomi Landers Williams and John Henry Williams in Sycamore, GA on August 28, 1914, and she grew up in the Atlanta area. Her husband of 55 years, C.D. Camp, predeceased her. Also, a grandson, Payne Nation, and three sisters and four brothers predeceased her. Irene and C.D. moved from Atlanta to Panama City in 1947. They bought a motel in St Andrews, which became a wonderland of gorgeous flowers year round and one of the first winter residences for the area's snowbirds as well as a favorite place for vacationers from other areas. Many of the vacationers and winter residents became life-long friends of Irene and C.D. and their family, and remained in touch years after they sold the motel. Irene was proud of her "Yard of the Month" awards and her well-known prized "green thumb" ability to make all flowers grow and thrive. Her porches and yard were always filled with a bountiful array of flowers, especially many in her favorite color, red, and she nurtured her African violets and other indoor plants with equal care. She had an adventurous spirit and was always ready to travel and explore new places and return to some of her favorites. She was grateful that she had the opportunities to travel with C.D and relatives and friends and visit Hawaii and all the other states except Alaska, and she had some wonderfully humorous tales of her treks across the country with her friends and sisters. She was also thankful that she had the chance to visit her son and daughter-in-law in several European countries, and the adventures that she and her sister told of those travels have amused the family for years. Irene and C.D. joined St. Andrews Baptist Church in 1947 within weeks of their arrival in Panama City, and both held vital roles in the church throughout the years. She was active in the choir for many years, and she was a faithful member of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. She also enjoyed her participation in the Panama City Garden Club and many civic groups in the St. Andrews and Panama City area, and she was an adopted member of St. Andrews Methodist Church. She is survived by two sons, Bill Camp and wife, Ann; Charles Camp, and wife, Glenda; and two daughters, Sheila Olmstead and husband, Charlie of Panama City; and Sue Coker and husband, Jimmy, of Dothan. Known as our precious "Mama Rene" to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all their many friends she adopted, she is survived by six grandsons and three granddaughters: Steve Camp and wife, Debbie, of Panama City; Terry Camp and wife, Martha Carol, of Boonton, New Jersey; Greg Camp and wife, Pam, of Panama City; Pam Mercer of Pace, FL; Alan Camp of Panama City; David Olmstead and girlfriend, Lori Sammons, of Panama City; Kristina Olmstead of Los Angeles; Keith Coker of Dothan; and Kay Coker of Dothan. Also surviving Irene are nine great-grandchildren, a sister, Alma Miller of Douglasville, GA, a brother-in-law, Earl Camp of Morrow, GA and nieces and nephews who dearly loved their "Aunt Rene." Irene saw many changes during her life span, and she always met any challenges with her strong faith and courage. She was an incredibly remarkable lady who enriched the lives of all who knew her, and she will always hold a treasured place in all our hearts. She often said she had a good life filled with the Lord's many blessings of family, friends, and her church. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 1 p.m. in the Wilson Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Billy Rich officiating. Interment will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday. The family offers a special thank you to Dr. Bud Shuler and his wonderful staff at Vascular Associates and the caring staff of Panama City Nursing Center and to the many friends at St. Andrews Baptist Church and St. Andrews Methodist Church. For any who wish, the family would appreciate donations to Bay County Council on Aging, St. Jude's Children Hospital or a favorite charity in memory of Irene Camp. The family will be at 2531 Frankford Avenue, Panama City.

Wilson Funeral Home