Beyond Beauty - Felicia Campbell

Natalia Oh, Contributor

Standing in the petite frame of 4'9" is the formidable Felicia Campbell, who, despite being born deaf did not feel sorry for herself, but, through perseverance, education and her Christian faith, triumphed amid any setbacks that any disability can initially bring.

Today, she serves as counsellor to the community of persons who are deaf, minister to congregations with members who are deaf, and her most precious roles of wife and mother. Campbell has helped to improve the way of life of persons living in Jamaica who are deaf. She lobbied to change the driving laws in Jamaica by becoming the first woman who is deaf to gain a driver's licence.

Born in the cool and mountainous parish of Manchester to parents Donville and Phyllis Jones, and to one sister, Charlene (who were all gifted with the sense to hear), Campbell tells Outlook that there were many times that out of frustration, she questioned her parents why God made her the only member in the family who is deaf. Her parents often lovingly told her that she would not be given any special treatment in life because she was deaf, but that she needed to work twice as hard for whatever she wanted. It was this early teaching that developed her perseverance and resilience.

Her early education began in Jamaica at the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf, Knockpatrick campus, and
continued later on in the United States. She graduated from high school
in Colorado with honours, being the only student in attendance who was
deaf.

Later on, through many scholarships, Campbell
graduated with a BSc in Psychology from Liberty University. Her
education, work experience and hear for volunteering prepared her for a
life of leadership and mentorship when she returned home to Jamaica in
2003.

Her husband, Damian Campbell, is Jamaica's
first-ever pastor who is deaf and she shares that her number-one
priority today is to support him and his ministry. Their union has
blessed them with three hearing children, two girls and a boy, who
sometimes serve as translators for their parents. Throughout her many
personal achievements in life, it is clear to anyone who knows Campbell
that what she treasures most is her marriage and family. She hopes to
gain awareness for the community of persons who are deaf and to
demonstrate that, through education and skill training, the community of
persons who are deaf will be empowered to have gainful employment and,
therefore, become a positive contribution to Jamaica.

Here's
getting to know Felicia Campbell, a lady who epitomises living life
'beyond beauty'.

How do you spend your
weekends?

Weekends are centred around family and rest.
We play games, watch movies, help with chores, and prepare for Sunday
church services. Some weekends the children and I travel with my husband
all over the island to minister to other churches with members who are
deaf.

Where is your favourite vacation spot in
Jamaica?

Sunset Jamaica Grande Resort and Spa in Ocho
Rios is the most memorable because it was our very first family
vacation. We were not able to afford it at full price but somehow, we
received a significant discount and were able to go
there.

Where is your dream international vacation
spot?

It is my dream to visit Israel with my whole
family, to see where Jesus walked.

Who is your
favourite author?

Karen Kingsbury, The
Redemption Series.

What is the best advice
that you have ever received?

The best advice I have
ever received was from my mother, Phyllis. At a young age, she told me
that God created me deaf for a special purpose and that I must accept
myself and believe that I can achieve anything I put my mind to. I now
realise that the special purpose my mother spoke of was to serve my
fellow community of persons who are deaf as mentor and counsellor, and
today, I am thankful the Lord made me this way.

Which
charity are you most passionate about?

Caribbean
Christian Centre for the Deaf (CCCD). The CCCD is a ministry that brings
the gospel of Jesus Christ to persons in Jamaica who are deaf. Through
this ministry, they teach persons who are deaf a language, provide a
basic education, training in vocational areas, mentor and mentorship,
all while encouraging the leaders and promoting outreach, community,
worship, and continuing education. CCCD is supported privately and much
of the funds assists staff and children financially and provides for
their needs. This charity can be supported online at:
www.cccdjamaica.org. Email:
info@cccdjamaica.net, Phone:
904-9092/5.

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