Wilma Jean Compton

Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton, 86 years of age, of Keen Mountain, VA, went home to be with her Lord on Monday, January 26, 2026. Born April 15, 1939, she was the daughter of the late John Arthur (Peanut) and Trula Keen. A precious mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend whose life was a beautiful example of love, care, and devotion to family and faith.

Sister Wilma was saved at the age of nine, filled with the Holy Ghost and a faithful Christian for 77 years. She was proud to be a pastor's wife, and she carried that calling with grace, humility, and a servant's heart. She and her husband, Reverend Rex Ward, served as Deans at the Richlands Tabernacle Youth Camp for several years. Her life was one of quiet ministry, always supporting the work of the Lord and caring for those who came through her home.

One of the ways she showed that love was through her cooking, the kind that didn't just fill plates but fill hearts. Her fried apple pies were a favorite of everyone who visited. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and togetherness, where no one ever left hungry and everyone felt at home. She fed many ministers from across the country who came by, making sure they were welcomed, cared for, and treated like family. Her home was not just a house; it was a place of ministry.

She had a special gift for quilting, knitting and crocheting. Every creation she made carried a part of her heart, becoming treasured keepsakes for those blessed to receive them. She especially delighted in welcoming all new babies into the family and community, gifting each with a handmade quilt or knitted sweater. She was an avid doll collector and enjoyed working puzzles, especially search-and-finds.

Sister Wilma was a devoted member of Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church and loved being in the house of the Lord. Her life was a quiet testimony of kindness, faithfulness, and strength.

Sister Wilma was a devoted mother to four daughters: Debbie, Teresa, Faye, and Maxine; and two sons: Johnny Rex Ward and Jeffery Ward. Her daughter Debbie was just like her, sharing her heart, ways and spirit- a bond that was special and easy to see.

More than anything, Sister Wilma treasured her children and grandchildren, showing her love in everyday ways- a warm meal, a handmade quilt, a gentle word, or simply being there.

Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the love she gave, and the memories she created will live on in the hearts of her family and all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her first husband Reverend Rex Ward; her second husband Earl Compton; daughter Maxine McGlothlin; son Jeffery Ward; granddaughter Gina Ann McGlothlin; grandson Jeremy McGlothlin; son-in-law Reverend Dale Ward; grandson-in-law John Paul Roberts; stepson Tony Compton; sisters Ruth Mowl and Karen Meadows; and brothers Jr, James, Harvey and Johnny Keen.

Survivors include daughters Debbie Ward, Teresa (Rev. Kenneth) Byrd, Faye (Ricky) Clifton; son Rev. Johnny Rex (Lisa) Ward; son-in-law Danny McGlothlin; daughter-in-law Holly Ward; stepdaughter Regina (Kevin) Rock; and stepson Michael (Kristina) Compton.

Survivors also include grandchildren Rodney Ward and friend Michelle, Valerie Roberts, Jacob McGlothlin, David (Amanda) Byrd, Marisa (Brandon) Keen, Veronica VanDyke, Brittany (Cory) McGlothlin, Ashley (Henry) Viars, John Tyler Ward, Matthew Ward, Gavin Ward and friend Becky, Levi (Adrienne) Ward, Whitney (John Matthew) Hackworth, and Shelia McGlothlin; step-grandchildren Drayton (Bailie) Rock, Matthew (Alyssa) Rock, Bethany (Dave) Pepper, and Courtney and Ashley Brown.

She is also survived by great grandchildren Micah, Rylan, and Alex Roberts, Lucas, Loretta, and Lilly McGlothlin, Jace and Jaxon Keen, Ashton and Audra Byrd, Logan and Layla VanDyke, Shaelyn, Sophia and Shyla Viars, Cayleigh McGlothlin, Brynlee, Presslee, Oakley and Finley Hackworth, Raylyn and Garrett Ward; and step great grandchildren Breanna, Jackson and Josslyn Rock, and Hannah and Wesley Pepper; sisters Shirley Gibson, Joy VanDyke; brother Kenny Keen; sisters-in-law Shirley Keen, Juanita Keen, Brenda Murphy and Gail Keen; and two great grandchildren and one step great grandchild on the way.

Funeral services for Sister Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church, Keen Mountain, VA, with Rev. Randy Webb, Rev. Kenneth Byrd, Rev. Johnny Rex Ward, Bro. John Tyler Rex Ward, Bro. Cory McGlothlin, Bro. Micah Roberts, and Bro. John Matthew Hackworth officiating. Burial will follow in Esaw Rife Cemetery, Keen Mountain, VA.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons.

Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church.

The family will receive friends at Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church on Saturday, January 31, 2026, beginning at 5:00 p.m. with an evening service at 7:00 p.m.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ashley Vanover and all the Ultra staff. A very special thanks to Dr. Kabaria, her doctor and friend for over 40 years, who went above and beyond whenever we needed him, thank you to all the 2nd and 4th floor nursing staff at Clinch Valley Medical Center, and special thanks to her friend Abbie Trent.

Online condolences may be sent to shortridgeramey.com.

The family of Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton has entrusted the care of their loved one to Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Keen Mountain, VA.