Mary Esther Riggsbee Campbell

Mary Esther Riggsbee Campbell passed away at home on October 3, 2026, surrounded by her girls and grandchildren. She was the daughter of Jesse Cullen Riggsbee and Willie Edna Ivey Riggsbee. She was proceeded in death by her husband Larry Wade “L.W.” Campbell, Son-in-Law Rodney Thomas Harris and sister Judy Riggsbee May.

Mary was born and raised in Chapel Hill. Working at the Town of Carrboro for a couple of years. Then worked for over 30 years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the Med School & with most of those years in the Dept of Marine Sciences. She loved the UNC Tarheels, the Carolina coast, her grandchildren & great granddaughter, Hobby Lobby, a cold Sprite & a Snickers bar.

Mary never met a stranger.

She is survived by her daughters, Tracey Long and Christie Cooper. Her grandchildren Alicia Harris, Ashley Harris (Michaiah Moore), Ryan Long, Aaliyah Thompson (Jerec), Trevor Long (Hannah) and great-granddaughter Danielle Alston.

A Celebration of Life will be held later after the Holidays.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to UNC Hospice. They were wonderful with Mom.