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Celebrating the life of Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton.
Agreed to by the Senate, February 26, 2026
WHEREAS, Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, revered faith leader, and beloved member of the Keen Mountain community in Buchanan County, died on January 26, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Wilma Compton was guided throughout her life by her faith and dedicated herself for many years to supporting her first husband, the Reverend Rex Ward, in his capacity as the pastor of Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church; and
WHEREAS, with extraordinary grace and humility and a servant's heart, Wilma Compton worked tirelessly for the benefit and well-being of the congregation at Keen Mountain Pentecostal Church and the Keen Mountain community; and
WHEREAS, alongside Rex, Wilma Compton served for several years as a dean at the Richlands Tabernacle Youth Camp, helping an untold number of young people to grow in their faith and achieve success in their lives; and
WHEREAS, Wilma Compton was adored by all who knew her for her cooking, and she was the consummate host to anyone who passed through her doors; and
WHEREAS, Wilma Compton nurtured many hobbies and interests in her lifetime, including quilting, knitting, crocheting, and collecting dolls, and she was happiest of all when making cherished memories with family and loved ones; and
WHEREAS, preceded in death by her first husband, the Reverend Rex Ward; her second husband, Earl Compton; her daughter, Maxine; and her son, Jeffery, Wilma Compton will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by her children, Debbie, Teresa, Faye, and Johnny, and their families; and by numerous other family members and friends; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of Virginia hereby note with great sadness the loss of Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton, a treasured member of the Keen Mountain community whose quiet strength, unconditional kindness, and unwavering faith brightened countless lives; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to the family of Wilma Jean Keen Ward Compton as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's respect for her memory.