Ann Elizabeth Compton was born on October 30, 1933, to parents Robert M. and Verna Lee Compton in Paris, TN. Most of her pre-college years were there with three years in Nashville, TN. She graduated from Grove High School in Paris and earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Lambuth College.
She married Lieutenant John L. Buxton on July 14, 1956, in Memphis, TN and became an Army wife for the next 23 years. Ann made homes for the family at the various duty stations in Virginia (three times), California, Arkansas, Arizona, Tennessee, Georgia and Kentucky. Nine years were spent in Germany. Ann was a geographical single mom for two different years while John was in Viet Nam. Her packing and moving ceased when John and Ann returned to the family home in Memphis.
Ann taught first grade for one year and became a stay-at-home mom with the young children. She had started teaching Sunday school while in high school. This continued for decades. Ann loved young children. As her son and daughter needed less “stay at home” time, she became increasingly active in churches and chapels wherever the family was living.
Ann loved watching sports, especially basketball and football. With more time available, she resumed knitting first learned during World War 2. She knitted mittens and scarves for the Red Cross. Ann found a pattern for a zip up the back baby sweater which she knitted as gifts. Upon request, Ann started knitting sweaters on consignment to Women’s Exchange of Memphis.
Over 30 years, she made thousands of these sweaters which were sent all over the country. One is known to be in Great Britain.
Ann was a true servant minister at St. John’s United Methodist Church. Ann tutored at the church’s Adopt a School, ensuring that rising first graders had a book of their own for the summer and organized a reception for elementary school graduates. Ann worked in and then ran the church’s food pantry for 20 years. That was as close to full time job as she wanted. Ann was a Christian by her actions and the life she led.
Ann leaves behind husband of 68 years; son, John M.; daughter, Bettie Shadoan; granddaughters, Shanna Allen, and Rachel Shadoan; grandson, Wesley Shadoan; and great-grandchild, Arlo Allen.
A memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at St. John’s United Methodist Church, 1207 Peabody Avenue, Memphis, TN 38104.
