In Loving Memory of
We respectfully ask you to join in a celebration of her life
September 7th,1943 - October 28th, 2020
Her Story
Born Dorothy Camille Wilburn on September 7th 1943 to Hampton Preston Wilburn & Dorthy Louise Carter Wilburn in Yazoo, Mississippi. A few years later she was joined by her sister Sherryl Wilburn. She had a happy childhood surrounded by loving family and friends that remained close for a lifetime. Camille attended Tougaloo College where she studied sociology, joined the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and ultimately met and married Tommy James McKey. Shortly after graduation and marriage Camille moved to join Tommy in Berkeley, California where she remained for the majority of her adult life. While in California Camille developed a love of camping, skiing, swimming and hiking. Camille played piano and guitar and loved cooking and baking. She spent her entire professional life working for the Veterans Administration. She had two children, John & Jennifer, and two grand children Tamar & Alia .
Camille's true passion was always literary. Reading was her happy place and writing poetry was her solace. In 2003 when Tommy passed away Camille started planning her return to Mississippi to join her sister Sherryl and her mother Dorothy. Upon her return to Mississippi she lived in Bellhaven where she enjoyed gardening and reading. She joined St Mark Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir. Camille also was very committed to her Companions group, racial reconciliation issues and other volunteer work. She had wonderful friendships with her neighbors & community.
Camille was very special kind spirit.
Brilliant, beautiful with generous heart she will be missed and we only hope that a little bit of her spirit will live forever within each of our hearts.
The Plan
The Immediate family has graciously followed Camilles final wishes. Due to the Covid 19 it is truly unsafe to hold gatherings. Camille has been cremated and when the times are safer the family will arrange for a formal burial and memorial luncheon. In the short term we will be putting together a memorial booklet and we will offer those who request it, a book from Camille's personal collection. I know that a website and a memorial booklet hardly replaces a good hug and homemade food but until the times are safer this is the path that we will take. Please use the testimonials page to leave your contact information, request a book or memorial booklet and to leave a memory of Camille.
​
If you have any questions please feel free to call or email Camille's daughter
Jennifer McKey
(510)677-3623
​
Making a Difference in Her Name
We can honestly say that Camille has never been a fan of "funeral flowers" and she always said that it is better to make a donation in the persons name and make a difference in the world. In that spirit, we are asking that you not send flowers but make a donation, no matter how small, to Tougaloo College or a make donation to the local Food Bank (Or both). If nothing else please read the descriptions below and understand just how significant a small donation could be. Camille was passionate in her support of Tougaloo and her heart ached when hearing of the impacts on families by Covid 19. Camille & Our family thank you for considering this donation.
TOUGALOO COLLEGE
Tougaloo College has historically produced over 40% of the African American Physicians, Dentists, practicing in the state of Mississippi. More than one-third of all of the states African American Attorneys and Educators including Teachers, Principals, School Superintendents, College/University Faculty and Administrators.
TOUGALOO COLLEGE
Office of Institutional Advancement
500 west county line road
Tougaloo MS 39174
1(601)977-7887
LOCAL FOOD BANK DONATION
With the current Covid 19 situation many families are finding their providers unemployed or under employed. As these situations always impact people of color with a greater weight a donation to the food back will allow families to still put food on the table as they struggle through these times.
TO FIND YOUR LOCAL FOOD BANK
