Birdie Compton

Birdie Mae Compton did not ask much of the world, but she certainly did provide it with a great deal of love. She was a devoted wife and mother who appreciated her independence without giving up her affection for others. Her life will forever be celebrated in the hearts who knew her well.

The dawning of a new decade brought in the year of 1940. The United States was finally beginning to feel some relief from The Great Depression, but WWII raged on abroad. American citizens rolled up their sleeves to help with the war efforts manning factories or merely planting vegetable gardens to lessen the burden of the low food supply. The country supported Franklin D. Roosevelt who was elected to an unprecedented third term in office. Closer to home, in Wayland, Kentucky, Howard and Ada Knox were beginning a new chapter in their lives. On April 2, they welcomed their daughter, Birdie Mae, into the world.

In the early years, Birdie experienced humble beginnings. The Knox family did not have a lot in terms of money and status; however, their love and quality time spent together as a family more than made up for the riches of the world. There was much laughter, tears, and chaos in a family so large, but this life was everything to Birdie. She adored her many brothers and sisters and would often reminisce about their times together playing, fighting like siblings do, and creating all the other rich memories only kids can make without anything fancy or expensive. Around the age of nine, Birdie was forced to endure the death of her mother. With the help and support of family, she found her way through the hard times.

After her mother’s death, Birdie traveled to Detroit, Michigan to live with Maudie, her sister. Though Maudie was good to her, she was also very strict - especially with the boys knocking at the door. Under Maudie’s roof, the rules were known: no dating and no phone calls from boys. One particular boy named Gary Compton met Birdie early on, but he left to serve in the Korean War. While he was serving his country, Birdie was growing up into the woman of his dreams. When Gary returned, he happened to be standing out on the street corner when Birdie made an unforgettable appearance. His words still echo in his mind, “Wow! Is THAT Birdie?! She’s all grown up!” Since he had met her when she was much younger, this was technically love at second sight!

Their first date was not so private and romantic since Birdie had to bring along many of her siblings; however, Gary only adored this because it meant she knew how to take care of family - an important quality in a future wife. Birdie could not help but fall in love with Gary. He would take her swimming at Belle Isle Park in Detroit and top off the date with dinner at White Castle! One memorable time, Birdie ordered 25 hamburgers and ate every single last one of them. She was making up for what she did not have growing up. He continued to romance Birdie by taking her for rides in his 1954 Ford which actually had a record player in the glovebox! For some time, Gary would buy Birdie an Elvis album every week until they had the entire collection. The memories of cruising along, with the windows down, while the music loudly sang to the world were unforgettable. The happy couple finally tied the knot on December 24, 1959 in Kendallville, Indiana.

The newlyweds made their first home together in Kendallville, as this was close to family and held promising job opportunities. Together, Gary and Birdie grew quite a family together - eight children finally made it complete.

She used so much of her early life experiences in her role as a mother. The holidays were a magical time for Birdie, for she had many fond childhood memories celebrating with her family. She continued the tradition of keeping the magic alive. The Compton family would pile into the car, sing Christmas carols, and ride around looking at the lights. Upon their return to home, Birdie would always exclaim, “Santa’s been here!!!” To her children’s delight, all of the gifts would be under the tree. She never missed calling her siblings on Christmas day with the well known, “Christmas Gift!” which was a traditional greeting replacing any gift they could not afford as children. For Birdie, her family was gift enough, and hearing their voices was pure delight. She never missed the opportunity to go back home to Wayland, for she dearly missed seeing her family. As a mother, she was very protective and loving. She was also very understanding, but nevertheless had “the look” well known to her children that meant they better straighten up - or else!

Birdie’s journey in life continued, and with the journey came many beautiful and adored grandchildren. She retired from Magnavox in Columbia City in October of 1998. Afterwards, when she was not doting over family, she might be found dabbling in her garden - picking the weeds to let the colorful plant life and beauty grow. Her house also kept her busy, as it was always clean and warmly decorated, and often times the furniture would find new arrangement. Birdie did not need much. She was very content holding her husband’s hand while listening to old time gospel music or maybe enjoying a small piece of chocolate - or two.

Birdie has given us so many beautiful memories about what really matters most in life. Her love for family, her desire to keep traditions alive, and her ability to never stay angry are ideas we can reflect upon and keep close to our hearts. Birdie leaves behind the legacy of enjoying life for its pure and simple moments, for these are what make life memorable. Birdie will be dearly missed and never forgotten.

Survivors include: Husband, Gary Compton of Kendallville; daughter, Gail Cordial) and Larry Norton of Butler; son, Gregory and Karen Cordial of Kendallville; daughter, Pamela Sue Branning of Albion; daughter, Tammy Jo and Vaughn Halsey of Franklin, Tennessee; son, Bruce Compton and Della Pierce of Corunna; son, Duane and Margaret Compton of Kendallville; son, Troy and Melinda Compton of Kendallville; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; half brother, Kenneth and Wanda Knox of West Liberty, Kentucky; half sister, Brenda Kay and Darrell Ross of Ezel, Kentucky.

She was preceded in death by her son, Gabriel Cordial; son-in-law, Michael Branning; and all of her siblings including Maudie Cordial, Hettie Lucas, Burnis Knox, Hattie Hicks, Curtis Knox, Ernest Knox, Otis Knox, Arvin Knox, Arnold Knox, Anthony Wayne Knox, Brenda Faye Conley and infant, Vernol Lee Knox.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, March 2, 2017 at 1:00 PM Harbor of Love Baptist Church, Kendallville. Visitation will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 3:00 – 7:00 PM at Harbor of Love Baptist Church. There will be a church service at 7:00 PM. Officiating the funeral will be Rev. Willie Collins and Rev. Rick Davis. Burial will take place at Lake View Cemetery in Kendallville. Pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Life Villages, Visiting Nurse, or Helmer Baptist Church. Share a memory or send a condolence online at www.hitefuneralhome.com Arrangements entrusted to Hite Funeral Home of Kendallville.