Josephine Compton House

Mrs. Josephine P. Compton House, 85, formerly of 460 Berkshire Drive, Danville, VA, died at Roman Eagle Memorial Home on Wednesday, September 4, 2013, following several months of failing health. Jo was born in Richmond Virginia on May 1, 1928 but spent her childhood in Warren County, NC. She was the daughter of the late Joseph King Pinnell and the late Rosa Frazier Pinnell. She graduated with honors from John Graham High School in Warrenton, NC. She attended Greensboro College for two years, and then transferred to East Carolina College (University) in Greenville, NC, where she received a B.S. degree in Home Economics and Science. She earned her master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from Radford College in VA. Jo’s first job was a dietician at Norfolk General Hospital, but she soon found that this was not her calling. When a teaching position became available, she took it and taught Home Economics and Science for thirty-six years in the Pittsylvania County School system. She was also a sales representative for Avon for many years and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Virginia Rescue Association and a member of the Danville Life Saving Crew. Her hobbies included photography, traveling and being a loyal UNC TarHeel fan. She was an active member of Fairview United Methodist Church, where she served in various offices and committees. Jo met her first husband, Edward Compton, at Vernon Hill in Halifax County, VA where she taught school. Edward and Jo had four children, two boys, Dwight and Craig, and two girls, Tracy Lynn and Brenda. Edward worked as an aerial crop duster. They had been married eleven years when Edward was tragically killed at the age of thirty-five in an automobile accident, leaving Jo with four children ages nine, seven, five, and three months. Jo was lucky to have her teaching degree which enabled her to support her family. Jo met her second husband, Herbert House, in South Boston, VA. They were married several months later and had a daughter, Suzette. Tragedy struck their lives three more times with the loss of Craig and Tracy due to accidents and Brenda died from cancer. Through the blessings of the good Lord and the love of caring friends, they overcame their loses. When Herb became active in the Danville Life Saving Crew, Jo became active in the auxiliary where she held many of the offices. As an officer, Herb traveled throughout the state and Jo decided to become active on the district level. After holding several positions in the district, she was elected Vice President of the South Central District form 1992 to 1993. She then was elected to the office of State treasurer, Vice President, and state President in 1995 to 1997. Jo was awarded the Outstanding Service Award by the AVAVRS in 1993 and Life membership in the AVAVRS in 2001. Jo was predeceased by her parents; her first husband, Edward Compton; three children, Brenda Compton, Craig Compton, and Tracy Compton; sisters, Addie Kelley, Marie Andrews and Ella Ellis. She is survived by her husband of 50 years, Herbert P. House, of Roman Eagle Memorial Home; son, Dwight E. Compton (Cathy) of Hillsville, VA; daughter, Suzette House Devine (Al) of Rockville, VA; three grandchildren, Cathy Jo Lanter (Jeff) of Raleigh, NC, Christy Loving (John) of Richmond, VA, and Lindsay Compton of Hillsville, VA; four great-grandchildren, Emma, Addison, Breanna, and Katelyn; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, September 7, 2013 at 3:00 p.m. at Fairview United Methodist Church with the Reverend Kathleen Monge officiating. Interment will follow the service in Danville Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service at the church. In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorial donations be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew at 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541 or to Fairview United Methodist Church at 1013 Westover Drive, Danville, VA 24541. Wrenn-Yeatts Westover Chapel is respectfully serving the House family.

Josephine Compton House

May 1, 1928 - September 4, 2013