Claude and Lucille Sherer Campbell

Claude Campbell was the son of William and Celia Johnson Campbell. He was born June 15, 1902. While growing up he attended New River School and help his father farm. It was during this time that Claude knew he wanted to be more than a farmer, so after finishing school he took the “Teacher Grade One” test that the state gave and became a teacher. Claude taught at several schools through out Fayette County. He taught at Mt. Vernon, Oakley, Bankston, Belk, Howard and Hubbertville.

During his early teaching career Claude met Lucille Sherer the daughter of Ira E. and Lillian Matthews Sherer. Lucille was born July 10, 1907. Lucille’s father farmed during the summer and saw milled during the winter, he also ran a small country store in the Killingsworth/New River community. As was the custom during this time, Lucille took the “Teacher Grade One” test and became a school teacher. Lucille taught at New River, Belk, Howard and Hubbertville.

Claude and Lucille were married on June 5, 1935, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church by Brother Titus Aldridge. They were both teaching at Howard School at the time.

After their marriage they both attended Jacksonville State Teachers College and obtained their degrees, which helped them to be better teachers. They moved back and built a home just a short distance from where Lucille had been born and raised.

Claude had a variety of activities that he was involved in over the years. He served as a member of the Fayette Hospital Board, the Fayette County School Board, the Soil Conservation Board, and was a member of the Hubbertville Lions Club. Claude and Lucille were members of the New River Baptist Church where he served as a deacon for years.

Claude’s most enjoyable activity was singing. He attended all the yearly singings in Fayette County as well as several other areas. Claude was moderator of many of the Fayette County singings. Eveyone loved to hear Mr. Claude sing, and he enjoyed singing too.

Claude and Lucille taught school for 43 years each, making a total of 86 years between them. They both retired from Hubbertville School.

Claude died on September 3, 1996, at the age of 94. Lucille is still living, but is in poor health. This couple was married for sixty-one years. Claude is greatly missed at the yearly singing with his lovely voice. (Submitted by Lucille Campbell and written by Melba Sims in 1999 for the Fayette County, Alabama Heritage Book. Lucille passed away August 31, 2000.)