Nancy Compton

Nancy Richardson Compton was born in Mullins, SC, to parents Sara Derrick Richardson and Duke Richardson. She died on June 4, 2026, after navigating many years of health challenges with resilience and her signature sense of humor.

Nancy grew up in Lexington, SC, with brothers Doug and Calvin and a circle of dear friends, who often gathered in the back yard to play baseball (when they weren’t getting into other shenanigans).

She and her husband Charlie were in the same first-grade class and started dating in the tenth grade, eventually marrying in 1968. Their 58 years of marriage included many wonderful trips, countless meals around various family tables, a shared faith and dedication to service, and a deep commitment to showing up for the various concerts, science fairs, graduations, dance recitals, awards ceremonies, and professional milestones of their children and grandchildren.

Nancy is a 1963 graduate of Lexington High School and a 1967 graduate of Columbia College, where she majored in Business. Her fierce intelligence, quick wit, and deep kindness were evident in everything she did, especially in raising her three daughters: Christa Compton, Claire Compton, and Carrie Compton Merrell (Judson). As Nana to Addison and Camryn Merrell, she always found the perfect clothes (usually on sale!), kept a freezer full of ice cream, and delighted in all their endeavors. Nancy loved the ocean; she always looked forward to the annual family trip to the beach, for which she insisted on packing enough food to feed an army.

A lifelong Lutheran, Nancy enjoyed serving in a variety of roles at the congregational, synodical, and churchwide levels. You would often find her planning a project with the Mary Circle, heading off to the soup kitchen to serve meals, singing in the choir, or preparing to teach Sunday School. She had a particular heart for supporting the next generation of pastors, serving on the Candidacy Committee for the South Carolina Synod and on several intern committees at St. David Lutheran Church. Nancy’s faith was the centerpiece of her life and witness. She and God were in a lifelong conversation, which now continues for eternity.

Mom’s loyalties were clear to all who knew her: family, church, and the Clemson Tigers, for whom she cheered in every sport and every season. No one was more excited by a Tiger victory than she was, and hers was always the loudest voice in the room when watching a game.

In recent years, when her mobility was more limited, Nancy connected with people near and far via calls, texts, and Facebook comments. She loved celebrating your family trips and your children’s accomplishments, and when she offered her prayers or condolences in difficult times, she really meant it. She also enjoyed doing her daily word puzzles (in ink) and watching reruns of NCIS (especially the Mark Harmon years).

You are invited to share your memories of Nancy at a visitation with her family from 5:00 to 7:00 on Tuesday, June 9, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home in Lexington. A funeral will be held at St. David Lutheran Church (132 St. David’s Church Road, West Columbia) at 2:00 on Wednesday, June 10, with Pastor Greg Brown presiding. One of the few details Nancy made clear about her funeral service was that she wanted people to wear bright colors – nothing drab! You are encouraged to wear something cheerful to reflect her belief in God’s resurrection power.

In addition to her husband, daughters, and granddaughters, Nancy leaves behind her brother Doug Richardson and his wife Wilmer; brother-in-law Ben Compton and his wife Suzanne; brother-in-law Jimmy Compton and his wife Charlotte; and many beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who adored their Aunt Nancy. Her parents and her brother Calvin entered into eternal life ahead of her, along with many other beloved friends and family members.

If you wish to honor Nancy’s memory with a financial gift, you are encouraged to make a donation to St. David Lutheran Church or to an organization in your community that cares for the most vulnerable. Nancy would encourage you to combine that gift with an offering of your time in a way that makes good use of the talents God has given you.