Southland Storyteller, Photojournalist Mary Compton, Dies At 64

COUNTRY CLUB HILLS, IL — Mary Compton, a talented photographer and journalist who told the stories of Southland residents for over three decades, died Dec. 24 of ovarian cancer. She was 64.

Compton dedicated her life, art and career to making sure residents and neighbors’ voices were heard. Her photos and stories appeared in the Daily Southtown, 22nd Century Media, Star Newspapers and Patch. Throughout her cancer diagnosis, Compton freelanced for Southtown.

“Mary was the most thoughtful and invested journalist I’ve ever known,” said Chris Paicely, a former Patch editor and filmmaker. “Her talent for capturing the layers of spirits of the people and moments she photographed was only surpassed by her deeply authentic connection to the stories she told. She made me a better storyteller and taught me more than more about what truly matters when dealing with stories of people.”

Whether interviewing a hometown Cher tribute artist, the Bunco Babes of Mokena, numismatists or sharing ovarian cancer battle stories from her sisters in teal, Compton had a gift for making deep emotional connections with the people she photographed and interviewed.

“Every picture she took had a story to it,” said her college-aged daughter, Rebekah Crane, who as a youngster would toddle after her mom to freelance jobs. “She would tell me stories all the time of people who’d open up to her. She had this aura about her that would get people to open up and trust her.”

Compton was born Dec. 20, 1958, in Cook County, where she was adopted by David and Patricia Chamberlain, who preceded her in death. She grew up in Worth and graduated from Richards High School. She studied photography at Prairie State College, but left school when she began picking up jobs at community newspapers.

“She was humble, smart, thoughtful, kind, loving and had an incredible eye,” fellow photographer and friend James Miller said. “She endured great hardship over the years, and would share her trials, but it never sounded like a complaint. If anything, it was an encouragement to see her rail against the universe, that seemingly never stopped throwing her curveballs.”

Her friend of 30 years, Kimberly Bond, recalls the many photo shoots Compton shot for Bond’s former boutique in Orland Park. Throughout her illness, Bond outfitted Compton with chic turbans and rhinestone caps when chemo caused Compton to lose her hair.

“Mary was such a sincere and creative person,” Bond said. “My nephew was in high school and was modeling for a fashion shoot we were doing for the newspaper. We had a young lady who was part of the shoot. Mary wasn’t getting the poses she was looking for, when she told the kids, ‘can we show some chemistry.’”

“She was wonderful and caring and always took the time for everybody, no matter how busy she was,” Bond added. “She was a wonderful mother, too.”

Right before the world paused for the coronavirus pandemic, Compton learned she had ovarian cancer, a disease that is often advanced before being diagnosed. There is no early detection test for ovarian cancer, though a CA-125 blood test will indicate its presence. Her chemotherapy and radiation treatments began April 7, 2020, which she valiantly endured up until she entered hospice a few weeks ago. A single mom from Country Club Hills, Compton worked when she could between treatments.

In the middle of her own fight, Compton signed up to volunteer for the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition, delivering “Totes of Hope” to other women undergoing treatment for the disease. Compton supported her sisters in teal with zeal, jumping in to photograph the NOCC’s survivors retreat at Lake Katherine Nature Center in June. She was especially excited and proud when her story and photo of survivors’ butterfly release were featured on the front page of Southtown.

“I am so sorry to see Mary's life cut so short. She had a big heart, and had so much to give and wanted to do so many things for women who, like herself, were fighting this disease, especially at an advanced stage,” said Karen Young, Midwest regional director for NOCC. “We will continue on Mary's fight in the hopes that no other woman will hear that they've been diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the future.”

In addition to her daughter, Rebekah, Compton leaves two sons, John and David, a daughter, Angelica, and her extended newspaper family.

Visitation will take place at 10:30 a.m., followed by a celebration of life service at noon, Monday, Jan. 2, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 6850 W. 159th St., Tinley Park. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted at GoFundMe to help with Rebekah’s college expenses.