Nina Mae Campbell-Stephens was the twelfth child of Archie Alexander Campbell and Mary Clarissa Monroe. She was born on July 25, 1926, in Fayetteville, North Carolina, just five months after her father's death. Her childhood was filled with love and protection, as she grew up in a home with her mother, four brothers, and four sisters (three of her siblings had passed before her birth). Nina received her education in the Fayetteville school system and, after graduating from E.E. Smith High School, she moved to Tennessee State University in Nashville. While she was in college, her mother relocated to New York City to be with her older children, and Nina followed.

In New York City, Nina worked various jobs. On July 1, 1951, she married Walter Gibson from Chicago. The couple lived in Chicago until their divorce in 1956, after which Nina returned to New York City. In 1958, she joined the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, serving four years and achieving the rank of E-4. After her discharge, Nina worked at the Veterans Administration in both New York City and Los Angeles. She continued her military service in the Air Force Reserve Unit for many years.

While living in New York City, Nina met and married Basil Stephens in 1973. After several years, they moved to California, where she lived until their divorce in 1985. Nina then returned to New York City for several years before retiring in 1996. Following her retirement, she moved back to Fayetteville, where she lived among her four older sisters, niece Pheon, and her husband, Bill Hicks. In Fayetteville, Nina became actively involved in her church (Haymount Presbyterian), the community, and various veteran organizations, even serving as Commander of the American Legion for a few years. She also reconnected with many childhood friends and enjoyed traveling to Atlantic City, Las Vegas, Hawaii, and several Caribbean islands with family and friends.

Although Nina never had children of her own, she was a mother figure and a positive influence to her nieces and nephews. She had a youthful spirit, teaching her nieces and their friends about makeup, stylish outfits, and life lessons. Nina was loved by everyone.

During the pandemic, Nina returned to New York City and lived with her niece, Alice, until her health began to decline. She spent her final days at Hudson Pointe Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Riverdale, New York, where she made many friends and was well regarded by both residents and staff. On Monday, November 3, 2025, Nina passed away peacefully.

Nina is survived by her nieces Alice Butler, Eleanor Campbell, Barbara Campbell, and Susan Campbell, as well as her nephews William (Dejaris) Campbell, Lawton (Gail) Campbell, Kyle (wife), and Dwayne (Sharon) Hicks. She is also survived by cousins William Monroe, Wiletta Monroe-Sawyer, Garland Pierce, and Scott Pierce, along with several grand and great-grandnieces and nephews. Special friends include Rosia M. Freeman, Karen Gill, and Nannie Young.