Elizabeth South Yerby Campbell— though if you knew her, just Liz—died on Thursday, October 12, 2023, at 92. Although she had been having health issues for the last few years, she died peacefully of old age. How do you sum up a life in a few words? She was a phenomenal woman who lived a full and rewarding life--daughter, sister, secretary, wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, counselor, psychologist, college instructor, mentor, as well as a friend to so many. She impacted everyone she met: family, friends, clients, and complete strangers.

She was a southern girl at heart, born in Itta Bena, MS, in 1931. She moved to Kansas City at age 16 where she lived the rest of her life. She was not the first in her family to go to college; her mother, Monique, also graduated from college, which was rare for the times. Monique instilled a thirst for knowledge and fierce independence in all of her children. Liz embraced both throughout her life.

She graduated from high school at just 15. In her 20's she pursued the teachings of the philosopher, Jean-Paul Sartre all the way to Paris, France. She completed her undergraduate degree after having her first child, and obtained her PhD in Psychology at 51, in 1982, while working full-time and raising two kids. Her thirst for knowledge was never quenched. She took and taught classes her entire life, reading one or two books a day, underlining as she went, until she was well into her 80's.

Liz championed the cutting edge: birth control, slacks, wigs, Transcendental Meditation, cosmetic surgery, TV dinners, and Mac computers. She even once decided she needed to learn everything there was to know about Quantum Physics. She checked out every book, VHS tape, and CD from the library, and dove in.

Three words come to mind when thinking about Liz: knowledge, people, and compassion. She enjoyed company and solitude equally. She loved reading, researching, and writing, and although she hated public speaking, she did it often, passionate about passing along her knowledge. She cherished a good conversation but loved to just listen. She cared deeply for her clients and her friends, but her family always came first. She adored her grandchildren, and taught them how to be curious about the world, be it through travel, art, weird movies, or board games. She loved it all. And she loved coffee and ice cream along with so much of life.

Liz was preceded by her mother, Monique Scott Yerby, 65, and father, Charles Raymond Yerby, 90; and her husband of 38 years, George Alexander Campbell, 63, and brother, Charles Raymond Yerby, 44. She is survived by her brother, Michael Yerby, 79, and his wife Narti Yerby, 60; her daughter, Lisa Campbell, 68, and her ex-husband Kevan Gibbs, 63, and their three children: Duncan Gibbs, 30, Malcolm Gibbs, 27, and Miranda Gibbs, 27; and her son, Stephen, 65, and his wife Rebecca, 58, and their son, Alex, 29.

Liz will be remembered for her vibrant life, long career, and her enduring friendships. Her friends and family alike treasured the glint in her eye, her warm embrace, her generosity, openness, and acceptance. She was a remarkable woman, and while the world will be less without her, she gave so much to so many—her legacy will endure—through all who met her.

A Life Celebration & reception is planned for Saturday, November 25th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the All Souls Unitarian Church, 4501 Walnut St, Kansas City, MO 64111.