“THE ORIGINAL NAOMI CAMPBELL”
Naomi Claudette Presley was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma on February 22, 1919, to the late Arthur and Preshia (Anderson) Presley. Naomi and her six siblings, grew up during The Great Depression, with a hardworking father and stay at home mother. Although it was a time of economic crisis, she grew up with the stories of Tulsa’s own Greenwood District, or Black Wall Street, as it was most affectionately known.
Naomi moved to California during World War II to be with her older sister. It was during this time that she worked in the Shipyards. She earned the respect of her fellow workers in the shipyard, which was a major feat for a Native American / African American woman during this time, as she was part of the Bay Area’s major contribution to victory during World War II, as she assisted in the shipbuilding. While in California. Naomi Presley married, became Naomi Campbell, and moved to Menlo Park in the mid 1950’s and was part of the community for over 50 years.
She also embodied the spirit of, “It takes a village to raise a child,” as she was known to have fed many of the neighborhood kids hot meals before their days of school started and after they ended. Because of this, she has an extended family throughout the Menlo Park community.
She enjoyed gardening, playing musical instruments, painting, bowling and watching the community evolve from her living room window.
Her legacy will live on in the lives of those who were blessed to share treasured memories with her, especially her sister Ruth Keys of Rancho Cucamonga, CA. Her 4 children, Adrienne Ali (son-in-law; Kamal Ali), Diane Campbell, Oliver Campbell, Sheila Reeves (son-in-law; Charles Reeves). Her grand-children; Toni Marie Ali, Nadar Ali, Tiffany Campbell and Abrial Reeves. Six Great-grandchildren and 3 great, great grandchildren, all of California. And a host of nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents; Arthur and Preshia (Anderson) Presley, 5 of her siblings; sisters Loren McMillan, Faye Scoggins, Helen Lane, Mary Adkinson and brother Earl Presley. She was loved by many and there will never be another like her. May she forever rest easy.