Joan Campbell

Memorial Visitation for Joan Campbell of Mansura will begin at 8:00am until 10:00am on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Escude Funeral Home in Mansura. Memorial Service will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, June 6, 2026, at Escude Funeral Home in Mansura with Fr. Blake Deshautelle officiating.

Joan Avis James Campbell, 74, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2026 at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge. Joan was the first of six children born to Victoria “Effie” Hollis James on Feb. 11, 1952. She was a life member of Our Lady of Prompt Succor Catholic Church.

In her early years, she attended Elementary School at Cardinal Cushing Catholic School. Thereafter, she attended Bethune High School where she was a fierce Basketball Player who really loved the game. Additionally, she was a proud member of the Marching Band at Bethune who played the Clarinet. She really knew how to march to the beat. Joan graduated from Mansura High School in the Class of 1971. She then went on to study at Southern University in Baton Rouge.

She later returned to Avoyelles, and began a career in Health Care Services. She worked in various locations throughout the parish. She earned enormous respect from peers and others for her work ethic, knowledge and experience. She was a professional at what she did. Throughout her life, Joan was a very independent, loving and selfless Mother, who worked hard to provide for her two sons, whom she loved dearly. She was strong in her convictions and fierce in protecting those she loved.

Joan loved Reading, Baking, Cooking, watching Movies, and Sports. Columbo with Peter Falk and Perry Mason were a few favorites. She made the best White Beans many of us have ever had. One of her favorites. She loved watching Football, College playoffs, and the Super Bowl. She loved to travel, to experience new things and did so before her health started to fail. She would not hesitate to board a flight to California to explore all that she could.

She was a loving Mother, Daughter, Sister, Grandmother & Aunt who really loved life at its best. She took immense pride in her Grandchildren, always finding joy in their company and celebrating their milestones.

Her warm spirit and joyful presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to mourn her passing and celebrate her life, her sons, Dorian Campbell (Tina) and Alexas James (Jessica), both of Mansura; mother, Victoria Hollis James; 7 grandchildren, Zorian, Dorian, III, Linda, Damien, Dorian, Jr., Tatianna, and Aerial; sisters, Barbara J. James, Daisy Prevost, Mary Hollis St. Julien; brothers, Anthony Blaine Hollis and Faron Hollis; along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Aquarious Mingo.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Escude Funeral Home (318-964-2324) 6608 Porterie St. Mansura, LA 71350.