With real sadness, but with a certain pleasure at the opportunity to open the next chapter, Anna Campbell, whom Middleburg Bank Chairman Joe Boling says "set the bar for client service over her twenty-year career," will soon leave the bank and move to Venice, Florida.

"I love Middleburg," she explained, "I grew up in this area, and I've loved every minute of being here. But after Al, my husband, passed away this year, I could quickly see that staying in the house in Marshall we both loved so well, would become enormously difficult."

"Al and I purchased a house in Venice four years ago thinking we would retire there someday. My son, Tony Kirk, and my granddaughter, Valerie, are both there, so I know the move is the right thing to do. I really look forward to being there, finding lots of volunteer organizations where I can be useful, and to beginning the next chapter of my life."

The elegant, charming, diminutive woman who is every bit as beautiful as she must have been when she was a cheerleader at Marshall High, grew up in The Plains and met Al Campbell when they both worked at Safeway. Married 28 years, they were well known and highly respected for their kindness, generosity and commitment to community.

"He was the great love of my life," Anna said. "I have to go on, but I miss him every second of every minute of every day."

Anna had left Safeway to work with Chicago Title, but in 1992, when the title company closed and she needed a job, she interviewed at Middleburg Bank.

"The only opening was as telephone operator in the basement, and they said I was over-qualified. I told them I had to have a job and they agreed to hire me."

Therefore, she was rapidly and regularly promoted, becoming a key member of the bank's staff.

"Her style and grace will be greatly missed as she moves into retirement," Boling continued. "She has been a valued and important part of our organization."

Anna, who insists she's had "A perfect life," will move to Florida with Lily, her beloved Jack Russell" Lily".

"My daughter, Pam Shoemaker, her husband, Robert and their two sons, Tom Embry, who graduates from James Madison University this month, and Josh, who is a junior at JMU, will come to visit. The boys love it there, and that makes me happy."

All Anna cares about now is that everyone here knows how much she's loved living and working with them.

"There are so many wonderful people here," she says smiling. "Al and I loved volunteering here at Windy Hill and Christmas in Middleburg, at Levis House and so many other wonderful organizations. Whether it was a pot luck dinner, or a night of Bingo, it was so much fun and valuable. We loved every minute of being part of this community."

"We'll find lots to do," she said. "I'll always miss Al, but I am confident I will find many worthy organizations where I can help make a difference. I look forward to that."