Marilyn Joy Camp, 86
July 4, 1939 – August 29, 2025
After eighty-six beautiful years with us, it is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marilyn Joy Camp, affectionately known to many as “Mimi” and beloved resident of Myrtle, MS. She passed away in the early morning hours of Friday, August 29, 2025, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union County, following a brief illness.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Camp will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 11 AM, in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral & Cremation Care with Mr. Randy Goodwin speaking. Visitation will be from 10 AM until time of service on Sunday, August 31, 2025, in the Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral & Cremation Care.
She was born July 4, 1939, in Union County, to the late Otis and Irene Higgins Willard and received her education from the Pine Dale school system. She married her beloved husband, Buford Camp, where they shared a marriage of sixty-six years, which was a love that endured through hard times, economic struggles, and all of life’s ups and downs. Mrs. Camp lived and loved one man faithfully, always showing up when it mattered most.
A determined woman, some might even say bossy, she never minded telling someone exactly what they should do, with a spirit that made you smile, even when she was fussing. She always kept her beloved, Buford, also known as “Papa”, on his toes. She also had a passion for flowers. Many of her loved ones remember how happy she was when she was planting, watering and working in her flowerbeds. Her home was always surrounded by blooms, just as her life was surrounded by the love she gave so freely.
Mimi wasn’t just a name, it was who she was to her grandchildren, to her family, and to her community. Her kindness could always be seen in her smile, especially when her grandchildren came to visit or when she heard their voices. She loved her family deeply, whether it was a phone call just to check on her or the joy of having company visit her. Some of her happiest moments were when the family gathered together for the holidays, filling her home with laughter, warmth, and love.
Dedicated to her family, she always put their needs first. To her granddaughter, she was the perfect example of what “true love” really means. Mimi’s legacy is one of strength, devotion, and unconditional love; lessons that will continue to guide them throughout their lives. Her love will continue to live through them, in a way that they care for one another, and in the memories that they hold close. The family doesn’t just say goodbye to her, they say “thank you.” “Thank you, Mimi, for the love, laughter, and the lessons you gave us.”
Mrs. Camp is survived by two daughters, Beck Grant, of Myrtle, MS, and Gail Tiger, of Colorado, two sisters, Sharon Burt, of Pontotoc, MS, and Deverlin Forsythe (Danny), of Water Valley, MS, three brothers, Melvin Willard (Joann), Billy Willard (Brenda) and Hubbard Willard, all of Pine Dale, MS, three much adored grandchildren, Sabrina, Monica and Tasha, nine great-grandchildren, and five great-great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband of sixty-six years, Buford Camp, two sisters, Martha Zoller and Mary Ruth Bexley, and five brothers, James, C.V., Dutch, Robert Dean and Melvis Willard.
New Albany Funeral & Cremation Care invites you to share memories and condolences with the Camp family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
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Visitation
Sunday
August 31, 2025
10:00 AM to 11:00 AM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)
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Funeral Service
Sunday
August 31, 2025
11:00 AM
Memory Chapel of New Albany Funeral and Cremation Care (West Bankhead)
