Sylvia Wall Campbell Hall, 63, of Ridgeland died Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2015, surrounded by her beloved husband and daughters.

Sylvia was born in Brookhaven to her beloved parents, Jewel Hilton Campbell, a former Brookhaven mayor, and Valerie Campbell Mills, a classical musician who also served on the board of the State Bank and Trust Company. Sylvia eventually followed her mother, serving for many years on the bank board.

Sylvia’s elegance, genuine demeanor, creativity and kindness defined her. Over the past seven years, she fought cancer just as she lived her life – with immeasurable determination, strength and grace.

Sylvia held a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern University and worked as a freelance journalist and writer throughout her life. In her 20s, she worked in the White House press corps in Washington, DC, but eventually came home to Mississippi and worked at the Clarion-Ledger as a music, arts and fashion writer.

Sylvia’s adoration of music was passed on to her by her mother and grandmother. She learned to love the bassoon in high school and college, and held a music degree from Loyola University. She played the bassoon in several groups throughout the community, including the Mississippi Community Symphonic Band, the Magnolia Bassoon Quartet, the Vicksburg Symphony and the Belhaven University Symphony.

Sylvia was also a member of the Junior League of Jackson and the Garden Club of Jackson, where she was responsible for public relations and publications. She was a member of Northminster Baptist Church in Jackson.

Sylvia was most proud of her family’s strength and love for one another.  She and her husband, Charles, married in 1983.  They traveled the world and shared incredible adventures together as a pair, and eventually as a family with their two daughters, Sylvia and Carolina. They also spent many years riding and showing horses together, a pastime Sylvia held dear.

In addition to her husband and daughters, Sylvia leaves behind two sisters, Valerie and Melanie, beloved nieces and nephews, many close friends, dogs Patricia and Maxine, and cat, Ralph. She also leaves behind her long-time friend, Sarah Pittman.

Memorials may be made in honor of Sylvia Campbell Hall to the Belhaven University Music Department, attn: Dr. Stephen Sachs.