Marguerite Camille Zoebelein's Obituary
Marguerite Camille Zoebelein, 93, of Huntersville, entered her heavenly home on July 6, 2022 after a brief stay at Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville. In her final weeks, Camille displayed remarkable strength, graciousness, and gratitude to the Lord for the long and rich lifetime He provided her, even as she faced the last challenges of her earthly days. The amazing staff at Hospice House, and all of us who had the privilege of being by her side, experienced her kindness, wit, and expansive vocabulary as she reflected on her life and shared stories from the past. Ever curious, always interested in others, constantly soaking up information, she loved conversing right up to the end. Her life and legacy will be cherished by her family, friends, and loved ones. Camille was peaceful and confident as she looked ahead to being with Jesus.
She was born on January 10, 1929 in Washington, D.C. to the late Stephen Beverly Jones and Marie-Therese (Baillet) Jones. While attending Eastern High School, she participated in a program at Walter Reed Army Medical Center through which young ladies encouraged recovering WWII servicemen through companionship and letter-writing. Camille was assigned to a pair of young soldiers who had sustained critical injuries in France. One of them, a handsome 19-year-old from New York named Arthur, who had lost a leg in battle and was undergoing multiple surgeries, took an instant interest in the lovely redhead. Although she initially thought him a little brash and mischievous (he was prone to playing pranks on the nurses), friendship and romance soon blossomed between the two. They were married on June 5, 1948, at St. Matthew Cathedral in Washington.
Through nearly 51 years of marriage, 3 children, countless travels, and the many hills and valleys of life, Camille and her “Hon” (as she called him) loved each other fully and faithfully. Art’s career in U.S. intelligence led them to reside for several years in England and Germany. Camille always created an inviting home for her family, wherever they were. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, taking care of her family, and hosting. At times, she served as a volunteer in various capacities. An avid reader, she was interested in a wide gamut of subjects, from history to current events.
She and Art loved spending time at their mountain house in the Blue Ridge, where they eventually moved full-time upon Art’s retirement from his career with the National Security Agency. Camille delighted in the woodland surroundings. Hikes and picnics were frequent pastimes, no matter the season. One of her favorite activities was planting window boxes and pots full of colorful, cascading flowers for her balcony. Another was visiting historic homes or model houses, just for fun.
Camille was strong, determined, and resilient. She was both a thinker and a doer. She loved beautiful aesthetics and scenery, appreciated the good in people, and encouraged others to stretch toward their goals. Many who knew her commented on how much she helped them with advice and counsel when they needed it. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her, but a lifetime of shared memories and laughter will live on as we treasure her legacy.
Camille was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Belva and brother Raoul, and her husband Arthur. She is survived by her son, David Zoebelein of Apple Valley, California; daughters Melinda Gurney and husband Thomas of Manassas, Virginia, and Stephanie Prince and husband Brian of Concord, North Carolina; 9 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren; and 5 nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at James Funeral Home at 3:00 PM Sunday, July 10. The family will receive friends following at a reception at James Funeral Home in the community room.
Private burial will be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or The Levine & Dickson Hospice House.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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