Joyce Campagna Obituary

Joyce Helen Gasque Campagna N. CHARLESTON - Once upon a time on a tobacco farm on a dirt road in Horry County, there lived a little girl, the youngest of seven sisters. Joyce Helen Gasque proudly carried her mother's middle name and was the apple of her siblings' eyes. Under their hand, she grew from skinned knees to Sweetheart of the Anyor High School Future Farmers of America. Her laughter, that sounded like happy bells, and her joy of dancing enchanted and she was a much sought after partner at the Mullins Armory square dances and Myrtle Beach Pavilion's 50s vintage rock and roll parties. Naturally, she married Jennings Owens, the football team's star player, and they had two wonderful boys before life took them in separate directions. Joyce's caring nature and secretarial skills led her to the Georgetown office of a psychiatrist. While he was teaching crisis intervention skills to members of the local police department, the good doctor introduced her to the Police Chief, her husband for life. A few years later, they both fulfilled a lifelong desire to live in Charleston and it was the start of happily ever after. Joyce had always wondered what it was like to be a bartender and quickly landed a position at the Navy Base Officer's Club. For the next fifteen years she ran The Fleet Bar at the Bachelor Officers Quarters. During her reign, thousands of sailors from all over the country and around the world experienced true Southern Hospitality and all left with fond memories of The Holy City. Joyce was so respected and beloved that departing ships were known to man the rails and render honors and, upon return, the officers would bring their wives and children to meet her. The party never stopped and the fun never ended...until the base closed. Always an excellent cook, during that time she had become enamored with, and soon began winning, cooking and recipe contests all over the country. She reasoned that if she was having trouble finding contests, others must be as well. That led to the creation of The Cooking Contest Newsletter and subscribers nationwide and abroad. The logical outgrowth of the venture, The Cooking Contest Cookbook, was published by Simon and Schuster and was featured multiple times on QVC. The documentary records of the Newsletter are housed at the Library of Congress. Joyce is preceded by her parents, Empie Solomon Gasque, Sr. and Sindie Helen Rabon; her sisters, Maybelle, Geraldine, Sarah, Elnito, Jean, Dollie, and brother, Blease. She is survived by her brother, Empie Solomon, Jr. and sons, Scott Jennings Owens (Judy) and Christopher Lee Owens and husband, Don Campagna. Her absence is softened by the beautiful memories she left us. Visit our guestbook at legacy.com/obituaries/charleston