Shirley Jean Campbell

Shirley Jean Clark, otherwise known as “Shirl,” died peacefully Monday, July 26, 2021, in her daughter’s home with family. She was born Tuesday, November 23rd, 1948, in Eau Claire, Michigan to Theotis “Buddy” and Margie Clark. Later, the family relocated to Dowagiac. She was the oldest daughter of 10 children: Seven brothers and two sisters. Well known for her beautiful smile, kind heart, and infectious laugh, she loved to sing, write songs, and pray. As a young girl, she attended Mount Zion Baptist Church and was active in the Mt. Zion MBC youth choir. In 1967, Shirl graduated from Dowagiac Union High School. She married military veteran and Pastor, Reverend Eugene Hardin. In 1970, their first child, Margi Emma was born. Over the next three years, two more children were added. One died shortly after birth. Then, the third child, Lonna Laurice, arrived. As a young wife and first-time mother her journey was just beginning. In 1974, the couple separated. Full of aspirations and dreams, Shirl moved to Kalamazoo, MI where she thrived. Everything she touched turned to gold. Shirl opened her first retail store, Goldfingers Palace, and was quickly given the name “Goldfingers.” In the late 70s when it wasn’t popular, not only did she have a woman-owned minority-owned business, Shirl was called to preach the gospel. She joined Lively Stone Pentecostal Church, was filled with the Holy Ghost, and became a minister under the direction of Elder Willie Mitchell. She actively evangelized on Kalamazoo’s northside, hosted many street crusades, ministered to youth, and was always found giving God praise. In 1978, Shirl remarried Arthur Pettiford. The two would soon be proud parents to Vanessa Renee, a beautiful baby girl. Well established and successful, the newlywed later relocated to El Paso, TX in support of her new husband. Shirl became certified as a computer programmer while simultaneously relaunching her business. Shirl flourished. She remained committed to God and her children. A woman of strong faith, she always trusted God. She received ordination under three different denominations. Between 1983 and 1991, she served several ministries: Bethlehem Temple (Pastor Carr) New Hope Pentecostal (Pastor and First Lady Armstrong), Friendship Baptist (Pastor Battle) and Praise Temple (Bishop Harrison Johnson). Shirl was always preaching, praising, and lifting the name of Jesus! She was a visionary and trailblazer. She successfully started promoting gospel concerts and remained active on the political scene, fighting for civil and women’s rights. She also worked with Jesse Jackson on the Rainbow Coalition, bringing him to El Paso. She also collaborated to bring renown artists such as the Gospel Keynotes, the Phillip Michael Thomas Gospel Choir from Redlands, CA and many more. In 1987 she was blessed with her last child to the union, a beautiful baby girl. Told she was too old to give birth, and could suffer complications, she decided to press ahead. Renata Faith, “Reborn Faith” was born. After 14 years, Shirley decided to return home to Michigan. She divorced, moved back to Kalamazoo, and began to build again. She relaunched her business, continued in full-time ministry, completed her bachelor’s degree in Family Life Studies at Spring Arbor University and later received her honorary doctorate. Shirl fed the homeless, took in families, opened her heart, and lifted her voice on behalf of the unfortunate and vulnerable. Monument of Faith (Pastor Ricky Hunt), Emmanuel Covenant Church International (Bishop Hugh D. Smith), and Fresh Fire Ministries (Pastor Bobette Hampton) is where she would spent her final years in ministry. She worked on substance abuse issues, laid hands on the sick and many recovered, served on the Northside Ministerial Alliance and was founder to Covenant Theological Institute under the direction of Bishop Hugh Daniel Smith. In early 2000, she married again and became widow to John Campbell. She spent her days running her businesses, caring for others, helping to raise her grandchild, and in prayer. She prayed so much, she developed knee problems. Shirl leaves to cherish her memory four daughters: Margi Williams (Floyd) of Mattawan, MI; Lonna Hardin of Kalamazoo, MI; Vanessa Spells of San Antonio, TX, and Renata (Tyzhan) Johnson of Las Vegas, NV, As well as seven grandchildren: Tashanya, Darius, Jarius, Mya, Rosalyn, Kenny Jr., and Raelyn. Sister, Gloria (James) Burch, sister-in-law, Alice Faye (Amos) Clark, and two brothers: George Clark of Niles, MI; Donald Clark of Chicago, IL. With this, she also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family, loved ones and friends. Shirl was preceded in death by her husband John Campbell, son, Eugene Hardin, Jr., parents Buddy and Margie Clark; One sister, Rosemary Moore, and five brothers: Robert, L.T., Otis, James, and Amos Clark. The family will receive guests from 12pm until time of celebration of life at 1pm, Wednesday, August 4, 2021 at Clark Chapel, 405 Center St., Dowagiac. Burial to follow at Riverside Cemetery, Dowagiac