Benika Lenora Campbell, 70, a bright light & beloved resident of Sherwood, AR, passed away peacefully on May 28, 2025. She was surrounded by love in her dream house, “Paradise”, where she got to live for 10 years by God’s grace. Born February 10, 1955, in Flint, Michigan, Benika’s life was one of dedication, love, and an unwavering commitment to her faith, precious family, community, bettering herself and always aiming for the most fun possible! She was kind, resilient, steadfast, intelligent, intuitive, beautiful, brave, vivacious, loving, patient, honest, trustworthy, devoted, positive, strong, courageous, faithful, deep, creative, humble, gentle, and encouraging. She was SUCH A WONDROUS DELIGHT!
Benika was a devoted member of the Church of Christ her entire life. She demonstrated her faith in her love for people through sharing herself and her wisdom about many things. One of her true gifts was being everyone’s cheerleader, champion, and supporter, which was such a great blessing to us all! She was an amazing baker & cook; gifts she shared as one of her love languages. She showed us how to dream big, wait on the Lord and his timing, and overcome obstacles with resiliency & determination. She provided gentle guidance in many areas to all who asked and mentorship for any needing help to find their way. “Bodacious Benika” lived life out loud and and expressed her true self in many ways and had fun with it and was a JOY to be around. She loved adventures, cruising, dressing up, the beach and all things WATER. She loved and lived brightly and colorfully. She loved to sing & had a great alto voice and also loved to paint flowers. She was a talented seamstress and loved to design and sew clothing for herself and her family as well as share those skills and shop to make sure everyone had just what they needed.
Benika was a graduate of the Newport High School Class of 1973. As a proud alumnus of Arkansas State University, she laid the foundation for her lifelong passion of learning and service with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Then her lifelong dream of attending Harding University came true when she was accepted on a Friday and began her study the following Monday in her 40s. Talk about waiting for the right time and walking through a door when God opens it! She was also a certified hypnotherapist. Benika proudly served as therapist and owner of Counseling and Hypnosis Center in Sherwood, AR, for 20 years doing counseling from a Christian perspective. The sum of her life’s work & ministry to improve the lives of those she served can only be measured with an overflowing cup as she helped many, many people’s lives be richer and marriages grow stronger. She sought God’s wisdom all her life and was blessed immeasurably with it and so enjoyed sharing it lovingly with all those in her life, when they asked for it. Benika was a blessing to all and poured her kindness into everyone she crossed. To know her was to love her & be loved by her!
Benika was born to the late Mr. J.C. and Iwana Blevins Campbell as the second of five beloved sisters: Dr. Rhonda Whybrew (Harold, deceased), Mrs. Angelia Owens (John), Mrs. Vanolyn Ivy, deceased (Johnny), and Ms. Valorie Robertson (Tony). She is also survived by Ms. Patricia Bullard, honorary sister. She is the proud mother of daughter, Iisha Lemming, who considers herself to be the most blessed child in the world. She was the beloved “Red Aunt” Nini to a slew of nieces and nephews, including Dr. Misty Tramel (Brian), Mr. Edward Belly (Jami), Dr. Adam Owens (Brinson), Mr. Blake Ivy, Mr. Brett Ivy (Lindsay), Mr. Michael Owens (Amber Nicole), and Mrs. Serena Keiter (Michael). She was also the aunt and honorary grandmother of Ms. Lauren Robertson (& daughter Amara who shared her birthday) and Mr. Tracker Robertson and greatly enjoyed her chance to be such a big part of their lives. She was also an incredible stepmom to Paula Huey Twitchell & Brock Huey. In addition, she is survived by a host of great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by a treasured grandcat, Mikey. We all share a Benika-shaped band holding all of our hearts together through her loss but will continue loving her and living forward to honor her and her legacy of what she shared with us.
Visitation services will be held at Jackson’s Funeral Home in Newport, AR, on Sunday, June 1, from 5 to 7 pm. Funeral services will be held on Monday, June 2, at 2 pm with graveside services to follow at Coffeyville Cemetery. Please bring any stories if you wish to read or share memories for this event, as it will be open for sharing and celebrating. Contact Iisha Lemming if you want them read by someone else. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite colors as Benika was a lover of bright colors. Black is also acceptable.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Tuesday, June 3rd at 6 p.m. at Levy Church of Christ. She loved singing with the church, so come join us! Please bring any stories if you wish to read or share memories for this event, as it will be open for sharing and celebrating. Contact Iisha Lemming if you want them read by someone else. Attendees are encouraged to wear their favorite colors, as Benika was a lover of bright colors. Black is also acceptable.
While flowers are appreciated, you may honor the family by providing donations in Benika’s name to the following organizations:
-Harding University Marriage and Family Therapy training
program and clinic at Https//www.harding.edu/give-now/
Designate “other” and a free type MFT program or counseling
clinic.
-Spark of Life at https://sparkoflife/memoriam-donations/
Please consider providing Benika the greatest honor of seeking therapy services to live your biggest, brightest life. This single step would be a dream realized for our cherished student of life, Benika Campbell.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
