A Gracious Life
On the loss of Elizabeth Campbell
It’s been said that life is measured not by the breaths we take, but the moments that take our breath away. I would argue that the legacy we leave—the breathtaking moments we’ve gifted to others—multiplies the value of a life well-lived, making it immeasurable.
Elizabeth Campbell lived a life that defies measurement. Her impact will echo through the Emerald Coast and within the people who had the pleasure of knowing her or receiving the fruits of her life’s work.
Elizabeth passed away on February 14,
2026. This loss of a community gem sparked many to tell stories of her character. The common thread: Elizabeth was a strong, philanthropic, intelligent, and accomplished woman. Everyone who knew her was inspired.
Elizabeth helped establish Walton County’s first mental health clinic, the Chautauqua Offices of Psychotherapy and Evaluation (COPE); developed initiatives such as the STAR program (Students Taking Active Responsibility) for the prevention of substance abuse; and alongside her husband, William “Bill” O. Campbell III,
she co-founded the Nautilus Fitness Center of DeFuniak Springs.
In 1994, Elizabeth and Bill founded McCaskill & Company Fine Jewelry, now one of the nation’s leading independent jewelers. McCaskill & Company has supported more than 50 charitable organizations over three decades, an extension of Elizabeth’s philanthropic spirit.
While Elizabeth served on the board of trustees at Okaloosa-Walton Community College—including the position of board chair—the college transitioned into a four-year institution and expanded opportunities for countless local students. Education, like wellness, was a priceless investment for Elizabeth.
Our sister publication, 850 Business Magazine, had the privilege to celebrate Elizabeth at this year’s Pinnacle Awards. Hosted at Hotel Effie on March 6, this event honored 13 women who have significantly impacted Northwest Florida in a leadership role.
While preparing for the honor of hosting this event and speaking to Elizabeth’s legacy, I had the opportunity to speak with her daughter, Carolyn Brigman. Carolyn shared so many beautiful stories about how her mother could do it all. One that left a particular impression on me was about her mother’s to-do lists.
Elizabeth was meticulously organized. Her professional to-do lists were known to be pages upon pages of items. While going through her things, Elizabeth’s family also found her personal to-do lists. On these lists: eat healthy, exercise, spend time with family, be kind, and do a good deed every day.
Elizabeth was a pioneer businesswoman and highly accomplished in her ventures to improve the mental health of the Emerald Coast, but the things that mattered most to her were shared on these special lists.
As we celebrate our arts issue and Mother’s Day, I remember Elizabeth as a mother to our community. My hope for this letter is not only to thank Elizabeth for the love she shared with many, but to inspire you to live each day a little more courageously. Don’t let anything hold you back from taking the next step toward the beautiful life you want to live. May we, like Elizabeth, remember every day to spend time with the people that matter most, be kind, and pay it forward with our good deeds.
With love,
McKenzie Burleigh
Photo by Sean Murphy
