Sara Compton

Sara spent her life devoted to her faith and family. She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Roger E. Compton, with whom she shared a lifetime of memories and love. Married 49 years, Roger and Sara passionately served the Lord in ministry at multiple Illinois churches, retiring in 1997 from Central Baptist Church in Springfield, IL. In retirement, while living in Surprise, AZ, they continued in ministry with interim positions at churches in Peoria, IL, Visalia, CA, Portland, OR and Medford, OR.

Sara earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Wheaton College and a Master’s Degree in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She enthusiastically educated elementary aged children over many years as a public school teacher; she was particularly passionate about seeing young children learn to read. Sara also loved teaching adult Sunday school classes and did so faithfully during her time at Central Baptist Church.

She leaves behind her children: Beth Neel, Lisa (Chip) Zimmerman, Lori Compton, Eric (Katey) Compton, 10 beloved grandchildren: David Neel, Alison Neel, Matthew (Shalina) Zimmerman, Amy (Drake) Whitlow, Imma Zimmerman, Amy Smith, Taylor Smith, Hannah Compton, Nathan Compton, Bethany Compton, and 2 great grandchildren: Ada and Mabel Whitlow.

Sara was a gifted musician – playing the piano and organ and singing in the choir, a talented seamstress, loved to read, and more than anything else cherished time she could get with her children and their spouses, as well as grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed many long-lasting friendships over the years and could be described as faithful, compassionate, considerate, determined and quiet.

A memorial service will be held at Camino del Sol Funeral Home in Sun City West at 12:00 pm, Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

A graveside service will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, IL.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Palm West Community Church in Sun City West, AZ, the church she last attended.

The family is being served by Boardman-Smith Funeral Home, 800 S. Grand Ave. W., Springfield, IL.