Harriet McCampbell Atkinson

Harriet McCampbell Atkinson, 80, of Columbia, South Carolina, peacefully passed away at her home on Friday, December 20, 2024, surrounded by her family.

A funeral service and burial will take place at Providence Methodist Church, 1273 Old Mocksville Road, Statesville, North Carolina, on Saturday, January 4, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are invited to the church fellowship hall for a reception following the burial. 

Harriet was born on February 11, 1944, the daughter of Paul Clayton and Mary Stephen (Holton) McCampbell in Chattanooga, TN. At a very early age, her family moved to Statesville, NC where she graduated from Cool Spring High School in 1962. She attended Western Carolina University, then transferred and completed her undergraduate and master’s degrees in Early Childhood Education at the University of South Carolina in Columbia. In her younger years, Harriet loved the beach, dancing to Shag music, attending the Kentucky Derby, and she also worked many summers at her parent’s business, The Gem Shop in Highlands, NC.

Harriet was a devoted mother, grandmother, and teacher. She spent much of her life dedicated to helping children and families. She was the founding executive director of Children’s Garden, Volunteers of America’s child care center for homeless and troubled families. Her inspiration and passion as an advocate for children, a leader and a role model, are examples to us all. Everyone, but especially the children, who walked through the doors of Children’s Garden throughout her 24 years there will cherish their memories. She had a profound impact on their lives that will impact generations to come. 

Harriet’s pride and joy were her six grandsons and her great granddaughter. She adored them and had a unique relationship with each one of them, in their own special way. She attended many sporting events for each of her grandsons and in the last two years, the arrival of her great-granddaughter brought her immense joy and happiness. Knowing that another great-granddaughter was on the way filled her heart with even more love. 

Most recently, she enjoyed the Silver Linings Club at Leeza’s Care Connection, where she enjoyed spending time socializing - whether dancing, making crafts or singing - with the volunteers and friends. She never left there without a smile on her face. Evening sunsets and walks in her neighborhood to greet friends and pets were highlights of each day. 

Left to cherish Harriet’s memory are her children, Gary Atkinson, Jr. of Columbia, SC, Krista Boyce and husband Russell of Mount Pleasant, SC, and Stephany Ferguson and husband Joey of Chapin, SC; her grandchildren, Christopher Atkinson, Kyle and Dylan Boyce, Liam, Grayden and Gavin Ferguson; her great grandchildren, Anastasia Grace and Claire Atkinson (on the way); and her many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.

Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, her brother, Paul McCampbell, Jr. and her sister, Mary K Overton. 

Condolences can be sent to Nicholson Funeral Home, www.nicholsonfuneralhome.com 

In lieu of flowers, friends may choose to make donations in Harriet’s honor directly to Leeza’s Care Connection, 201 St. Andrews Road, Columbia, SC 29210. https://leezascareconnection.networkforgood.com/projects/151727-give-care

Provided below is a link for the Hampton Inn in Statesville for those traveling from out of town. 

https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SVHHHHX&groupCode=CHHFAM&arrivaldate=2025-01-03&departuredate=2025-01-05&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT