Merle Sasser Compton

COMPTON, James Merle Sasser, affectionately known as Merle, passed away peacefully on her 92nd birthday, April 12, 2025. Funeral services for Merle will be held at 2 PM on Wednesday, April 16th, from the Chapel of Turners Funeral Home with Rev. Bill Price officiating. She will then be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in Mt. Ida Cemetery with Turners Funeral Home of Luverne directing. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday, April 15th, from 5 to 7 PM. She will lie in state at the funeral home on Wednesday for one hour prior to the service.

Born in 1933 in Brantley, Alabama, Merle was the cherished daughter of the late Andrew Byrd "Fel" and Benonia "Nonie" Sasser. Her remarkable talent for sewing emerged early in life, inspired by a sewing machine gifted to her from her Uncle Theron. Over the years, Merle became an exceptional seamstress, renown for her exquisite work in quilting, smocking, embroidery, and appliqué. Her creations - especially the unique Easter dresses she lovingly made for her daughters and granddaughters, and the cherished Christening gowns sewn for each of her grandchildren-are treasured heirlooms.

Merle's culinary skills were equally admired. Despite her full-time job, she effortlessly made buttermilk biscuits from scratch nearly every morning, turning the ordinary into something special with ease and grace. Her home was always filled with warmth, good food, and love, making every gathering special.

With a gentle touch and an intuitive understanding of nature, Merle transformed barren spaces into vibrant southern landscapes. Merle's green thumb was not just a skill, but a gift. In her gardens, flowers bloomed brighter and leaves unfurled with joy. She was highlighted in the Spanish Fort newspaper for her colorful and enduring backyard sanctuary.

Professionally, Merle dedicated over 40 years to Regions Bank, where she was respected for her diligence and integrity. Yet, she often said her proudest accomplishment was putting all four of her children through the University of Alabama. A devoted Crimson Tide fan, Merle was the undisputed queen of game-day tailgates-where many came not only for the camaraderie but for a taste of her home-style cooking.

She was preceded in death by the love of her life and devoted husband, Samuel Webster Compton, and her sister, Bonnie Ruth Taylor.

Merle is survived by her beloved sister, Evelyn Brown, and her children: Adaline Compton (Ralph) Fagen, Samuel Wade (Barbara) Compton, Teresa Compton (Steve) Guarcello, and Leigh Compton (Todd) Matthews, her honorary daughter, Scottie Penton (Shane) Oliver, and her adored grandchildren: Max and Jacob Fagen; Samantha Fender, Thomas Ray Compton; Nicholas Guarcello; Madison Matthews Barker, MacKenzie Matthews Harris; and Penton Oliver.

Serving as pallbearers will be James Barker, Joshua Harris, John Compton, Bruce Compton, Matthew Taylor, and Penton Oliver.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Mount Ida Cemetery Fund, in care of Brantley Bank and Trust, 9402 North Main Street, Brantley, Alabama 36009.