Jean C. Compton's Obituary
On November 16, 2020, our beloved Jean C. Compton departed this life peacefully at her home and entered into
eternal rest. Jean was born to Mildred Shoffner Hunter and Charles T. Hunter on March 24, 1942 in Graham, North
Carolina.
Jean was raised in a very loving family with her parents, five sisters (Valorie, Elaine, Martha, Jacqueline, and Helen)
and four brothers (Charles Jr., Edward, Donald, and Ronald). She grew up in a Christian household with very strong
family values and traditions. Her family were longtime members of Wayman’s Chapel AME Church, where they all
worshiped and participated in many of the auxiliaries and groups. She accepted Christ as her savior at an early age
and was baptized. Through her church family, and the tight knit community in Graham, she developed many lasting
friendships.
She loved her Hunter and Shoffner families and shared many beautiful stories about her siblings and cousins. They
had many family gatherings and Jean always looked forward to dinner time when they all set around the table to
partake in a meal. Her home making skills were acquired first hand from her mother, Mildred. She would sit in the
kitchen with her for hours learning and watching her cook. Her quick wit and sense of humor was inherited from her
father, Charles as only he could tell a great story. She learned many family values, and among them being love,
generosity, and compassion which were passed down to her own children and grandchildren.
Jean was educated in the Alamance County public school system, graduating from Graham High School. However,
over the years, she continued her education through training and employment opportunities and obtained various
certifications.
She married Billy Compton, Sr. and this union produced her greatest accomplishments: Karen, Billy, and Jonas. Jean
was a wonderful mother that truly loved her children. She was a great home maker and was a present and guiding
force in her children’s lives. In the early years, although she worked out of the home, she saw her children off to school
in the mornings and was at home when they returned. She enjoyed preparing delicious meals and was anxious to hear
about the happenings and events of the school day. Sundays were very special to her. After Sunday dinner, she would
engage in round table discussions, allowing the children to share any concerns, joys or laughter. The dinner table
provided love and resolution to any problem. She was a strict disciplinarian, confidant and friend. Her many
teachings stressed the importance in obtaining an education including a degree from a college or university and then
securing gainful employment. She didn’t miss a football game or a school event. She was Karen, Billy, and Jonas’
biggest cheerleader and encouraged them to do their absolute best.
Jean’s greatest joy was becoming a grandmother to Ariel and Alisha. She was an awesome grandmother and gave the
girls lots of hugs and kisses. She often laid claim to the weekends and cared for them with that nurturing spirit. Jean
talked with Ariel and Alisha during the week and could hardly wait to see them on Saturdays. She loved entertaining
them on the weekends by watching their favorite shows, playing board games, learning to play their electronic games,
accompanying them to the theater, restaurants, and play dates. She was a big part of the girl’s lives and she called them
her pride and joys. She was so proud of their most recent accomplishments, attending Ariel’s graduation from Arizona
State University and witnessing the beginning of her teaching career. She watched with pride Alisha’s virtual
graduation from high school and shared her excitement when she followed in her sister’s footsteps and started her
freshman year at Arizona State University.
Jean worked for forty (40) years in many capacities, positions and titles. After twenty-seven (27) years in sales, with
the Army and Air Force Exchange Service, she decided to retire in 2003. Her retirement provided her an opportunity
to start the second phase of life by spending more time with her grandchildren. Retirement also allowed her to travel
and vacation with Karen, Billy, Angela, and the girls.
She was an avid Seahawks fan and enjoyed watching the games and cheering for the team. Jean had her favorite
television shows and loved the “The Young and The Restless” soap opera. She enjoyed word search puzzles, and
listening to the gospel music channel.
Jean was preceded in death by her husband Billy, her son Jonas, her parents Mildred and Charles, her sisters, Valorie,
and Elaine, and her brothers, Charles Jr., Edward, Donald, and Ronald.
She leaves to honor and cherish her memories, children Karen, Billy (Angela) and grandchildren, Ariel and Alisha.
Her sisters, Martha Hunter, Jacqueline Roberts (Dr. Leroy Roberts) and Helen Fearrington and a sister-in-law, Sarah
Hunter.
Her favorite nieces and nephews Valesay, Ever, Ayanna, Collins, Adia, Ronald, Jr., Marcus, Glenda Hunter, Michelle,
Angela, Cerise, Bridgette, Audrey and DeTonda. And a host of other relatives and friends.
“Only God knows how much we love you,
And our hearts ache for you still,
You may be forgotten by others,
But by us, you never will.”
The Family
Please join us for a live broadcast of Jean's service via the link below.
http://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/41171
The webcast will be live at 1:00pm, and a recording will be accessible for 90 days following the service for family and friends not able to join us at that time.
What’s your fondest memory of Jean?
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Share a story where Jean's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Jean you’ll never forget.
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