Maretta Thompson Countess

MARETTA THOMPSON COUNTESS September 10, 1942 – November 12, 2015 Maretta T. Countess, 73, passed away peacefully at her residence on Thursday, November 12, 2015. She was preceded in death by her parents, Haywood and Inez Matthews Thompson; her loving husband of close to 45 years, James Cordell Countess; and a brother, Everett Thompson. Left to cherish her precious memory is her daughter, Karen C. Coleman and her husband Kevin of Huntsville; her son, Jon Countess and his wife Kia of Sumter, SC; 2 grandchildren, Jon Rix Countess and Robert Joel Countess; 2 brothers, Carey Thompson and his wife Carolyn, Percy Thompson and his wife Ada Sue; 1 sister, Ellamae Elder and her husband Gene, all of Greenville, AL; special caregiver, Gwendolyn Jones; a host of nieces and nephews; and numerous other friends and relatives. Maretta was born and raised in Greenville, AL and enjoyed being active in church and family activities. She also loved to follow Auburn football. She always lifted everyone’s spirits in all situations. She balanced her personality with a strong work ethic. Maretta earned her bachelor’s degree from Samford University and masters from Alabama A&M University. She taught at Ed White Middle School for numerous years and had a positive impact on thousands of lives. She met the love of her life, Jim Countess at First Baptist Church in Huntsville, AL. Maretta was a devout Christian woman who loved her Lord and her church family and was a longtime faithful member of Flint River Baptist Church. Maretta Countess was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew her! You may visit with the family at Valhalla Funeral Home on Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 12:00 Noon until 2:00PM. There will be a funeral service conducted by Dr. Steve Bell commencing at 2:00PM in Valhalla’s chapel. The interment will immediately follow in Valhalla Memory Gardens. Please sign the guest registry at www.valhallafunerals.com.