Betty Isabell Compton

Betty Isabell Sparkhall Compton, beloved “Grammy Bear,” peacefully transitioned to the other side on May 16, 2020 at the age of 96 years. She was born to George and Mary Sparkhall on October 22, 1923 in Toronto, Canada and grew up in Ontario during the Depression Era. At the tender age of 18, and in the midst of World War II, the red-haired maiden fell in love with Mel Compton, a handsome, young, mustachioed American serviceman who was undergoing pilot training nearby with the Royal Canadian Air Force. In short order, they were married just prior to his departure overseas to fly heavy Halifax bombers. After the war, Mel and Betty returned to his native Virginia and built a house, “Flatpatch,” in Mechanicsville, and over a 47 year marriage they raised four children, Michael, Jody, Mark and Linda. Throughout her life, Betty was foremost a devoted mother, wife and homemaker. At the same time, she pursued a wide array of artistic endeavors, paramount of which were her skills with needle, thread and cloth … she was a seamstress extraordinaire. Over her lifetime, Betty crafted a multitude of handmade dresses, pleated skirts, ornately embroidered blouses, fashionable suits, coats and jackets, as well as a magnificent wedding dress. Her needlework skills spilled over into knitted sweaters for the family, curtains and drapes that decorated the house, quilted bedspreads and braided rugs in nearly every room. In addition, Betty was a dedicated gardener and the landscaping of a picturesque, backyard Japanese Garden was the fulfillment of a long sought dream. Clad in coveralls and work gloves and armed with a shovel, she stoutly pushed wheelbarrow loads of rock and cement to create a winding walkway that was bordered by vivid, multicolored azaleas. The path crossed over a traditional, arched red bridge that spanned a goldfish pond and then circled back to the house. It was an enchanting retreat in the midst of a wooded backyard. Betty was an avid member of the Mechanicsville community. For years she famously taught tailoring classes through the Hanover County Extension Service. Many of her lifelong friendships had their beginnings in those dressmaking classes. Other friendships developed through her longstanding membership in the Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church. Preceding her in death were her husband, Mel, her parents, her brother Bill and her sister Marian. Betty is survived by her four children and her granddaughter, Aurora. A private graveside service at Oakwood Cemetery and a memorial celebration of her life will be scheduled at a future date.