Mary E. Compton

On February 21st, 2026, Mary Evelyn (n. Ridgely) Compton was called home to be with the Lord, and met her beloved husband, Conley (Baker) Van Compton Sr. at the pearly gates. She was the cherished daughter of Mary Evelyn (n. Thompson) Ridgely and Marvin Lester Ridgely, loving mother to Conley Van Jr., Randy Eugene, Terry Franklin, Robert Lee, Lisa Anne, Charles Douglas, and Marion Russell, and adorned sister to five brothers and two sisters. Mary's family spans across generations and she was the heart of her family, staying involved over the years with her 18 grandchildren, 32 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren.

Born on March 3rd, 1937, in Highland, Maryland, Mary spent her life serving and caring for others, both in her personal life and career. She entered the workforce as a seamstress, sewing anything from pants and shirts to gloves. In 1981, she followed her heart and God's will, and it led her to a career in nursing. She began working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at Brook Grove Nursing Home. In 1991, at the age of 55, she went back to school to become a Licensed Nurse Practitioner. She found her forever career home at The ARC of Howard County working with the mentally and physically handicapped. After 17 years of working at the ARC, Mary retired at the age of 77 years old.

Mary not only held a nursing career, but she helped build a life and business with the love of her life, Baker. Working alongside him, not because she had to but because she wanted to; she knew how to bail hay, milk cows, drive dump trucks, and still came home to cook a delicious dinner the southern way, as she would say. She built a life that was good, one to be remembered, a legacy to live on in the generations of family to follow. She was known to many as Mom, Momma, Mammaw, Sister Mary, Aunt Mary, and dear friend. She is now being welcomed at the gates by her Father as My Child.

The family will receive friends on Friday February 27th, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Valley Funeral Service at 14116 S. Middle Road, Edinburg, Virginia 22824.

The funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 28th, 2026, at Noon at Valley Funeral Service. Minister Katrina Gochenour will officiate. Burial will follow at Mount Jackson Cemetery in Mount Jackson, Virginia. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com

Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.