Pearl Compton

When Pearl E. Compton was in the company of her loving family, a familiar smile always brimmed over her lips. Each day she shared her happiness and love with her husband, children, grandkids and great-grandkids. Pearl was a devout Christian who used both her words and her example to teach the Lord's message. Her heart was always open to her family, her friends, and to anyone who needed a helping hand.

In the year 1925 America was in the midst of a decade of prosperity, entertainment, and good fortune. With the end of the First Great War, the Roaring ‘20s emerged as an era of economic success. Big band music was popular, and young boys and girls filled dance halls throughout the country. During this time, Thomas Brunner and his wife Mae Beck certainly had reason to celebrate. One day they were moving into a new house, and on the very next day, February 25, 1925, they welcomed their daughter Pearl into their new home.

Pearl was born outside of Pana, Illinois in Christian County. She grew up with the company of her six older brothers, Loren, Harold, Leo, Clarence, Russell, and Louie. With so many brothers, Pearl was a little bit of a tomboy in her youth. In her later life she wrote several stories about growing up with six brothers. When Pearl’s brother Clarence was shot and killed accidentally, the Brunner family decided to leave the farm and move into town.

Since much of Pearl’s childhood belonged to the difficult years of the Great Depression, she learned the value of the penny at an early age. By her eighth birthday the American economy had reached a new low. The unemployment rate now affected one out of every four workers. Despite the challenges of the Great Depression, Pearl still found many ways to enjoy herself. She attended one room schoolhouses in the country before moving into Pana. She played clarinet in the school band and sang in the choir. She also sang in her church choir. After her high school graduation, Pearl’s love for music inspired her to buy a piano, an instrument she learned to play but never mastered.

But Pearl owes her best memories of high school to math class. A handsome young man named Doyle Compton was in her Algebra and Geometry classes, and eventually he said hello to Pearl. They easily fell into a conversation, and soon they began dating. Although the Second World War required Doyle’s service, he and Pearl stayed together. After three and a half years of dating, they were married on July 23, 1945. Doyle remained in the service for the next few months after the wedding, until his discharge in December of 1945. The young couple then settled in Pana, where they would live for the next fifteen years.

Pearl and Doyle were blessed with eight children over a period of fourteen years. Their house bloomed with the miracles of Gary, Judy, Larry, Doug, Dan, Diane, Debbie, and David. Though Pearl worked for Sears during the 1960’s and 70’s, she was primarily a homemaker—and with eight children she had plenty to keep her busy! Pearl sewed up a storm, making countless amounts of clothing for her kids. Whether she was at her sewing machine or in the kitchen, Pearl was an expert at making something from nothing. Her homemade noodles and her dinner rolls were always made from scratch. She also pleased many a sweet tooth with her great angel food cake and her fresh-baked cookies.

In the year 1961, the Compton family moved to Silvis, Illinois to accommodate a job transfer. This would be Pearl’s home for nearly the next forty years. Church was at the center of life for the Compton’s. Pearl volunteered a lot at the First Baptist Church in both Pana and Silvis; in her later life she would devote much of her time to Carmel First Baptist. She did a lot of work for the missionary society and she also taught Sunday school for many years. Pearl and Doyle entertained many missionaries in their home over the years. Pearl also volunteered outside of the church by helping out the PTA while her children were growing up.

As Pearl grew older, she watched as her children moved out of the house to settle down all over the country. Despite the long distances, the Comptons often came together for holidays, which was always a big hoot. But more often than not, Pearl and Doyle would pile into the car to visit their kids. Pearl loved seeing new things, and she enjoyed all of her travel experiences. Over the years, she and Doyle hit every state except for Delaware and Hawaii. Pearl particularly loved Utah, which was filled with beautiful sights. Their road trip to Alaska was also very memorable. She and Doyle traveled outside of the country too. Pearl was especially moved when she toured the empty tomb in Israel.

In her free time at home, Pearl enjoyed all sorts of hobbies—in fact, she probably tried her hand at every craft ever invented. She particularly loved writing and painting. But her greatest enjoyment came from watching her family grow. Pearl treated all of her in-laws with the same love and respect that she directed toward her own children. Under her guide, the family grew closer and closer together. Two years ago fifty members of the family reunited in Carmel, Indiana for a day of golfing, eating, and good times. It was very well attended, especially for a family scattered throughout the country.

In recent years, Pearl and Doyle enjoyed another celebration. The whole family rallied together in Silvis, Illinois to celebrate the fifty years Pearl and Doyle spent together as husband and wife. Everyone squeezed together for a family picture. It was a happy occasion, and for Pearl and Doyle the celebration continued as they headed out to sea on a Caribbean cruise. The family also recently celebrated Pearl’s eightieth birthday and was looking forward to celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary this summer.

Pearl will be remembered by her family and friends as a caring and compassionate woman. In her gracious and hospitable way, she was very godly. Though she was not easily excited, a big smile always broke across her lips whenever she learned of a new grandchild. She will be greatly missed and frequently remembered by her loving family.

Pearl died on March 1, 2005. Survivors include her husband of 59 years, Doyle R. Compton; children, Gary Compton, Judy Flatt, Larry Compton, Doug Compton, Dan Compton, Diane Cosby, Debbie Glenn, David Compton; brother, Russell Brunner; 28 grandchildren, 13 and counting great grandchildren. Friends and family will gather on Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. in the Leppert Life Story Funeral Home, Smith Carmel Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. on Friday in the First Baptist Church of Carmel with additional visitation from 1 p.m. You are invited to visit www.lifestorynet.com where you may share a personal memory about Pearl, arrange for flowers, or make a memorial contribution to the Shepherd’s Baptist Ministry in Union Grove, Wisconsin.