Funeral service for Carol Campbell begins at noon

The influence and political reach of former City Councilwoman Carol Ann Campbell, who died Nov. 19 after a long battle with lung illness, is self-evident in the funeral program being handed out this morning in preparation for a noon service at Saint Matthews AME Church.

U.S. Reps. Bob Brady and Chaka Fattah; former state House Speaker John Perzel; former Mayor John Street and his police commissioner, Sylvester Johnson; and Mayor Michael Nutter are among the 17 dignitaries expected to speak at the service.

The program, entitled "Celebrating a Journey of Courage," includes a four-page color photo spread that highlights Campbell's political legacy and lifelong devotion to the Democratic Party, particularly as secretary of the Democratic City Committee. Pictured with her are former President Bill Clinton, ward leaders, city elected officials and family members. She wears her trademark sunglasses in nearly every photo.

As the program says: "There is no way to document the numbers of elected and appointed officialsin Philadelphia who owe their careers, at least in part, to the coruage and support of Carol Ann Campbell."

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