Anna Countess

EAST PRAIRIE -- Anna Ruth Countess, 85, formerly of Charleston, died at 8:15 p.m. Aug. 28, 2007, at Missouri Delta Medical Center in Sikeston.

Born Aug. 22, 1922, in East Prairie, to the late John and Gertrude Wright McCarty, she lived most of her life in Mississippi County where she worked at the Brown Shoe Company in Charleston and managed the former Ann's Restaurant in East Prairie. She was a member of St. James General Baptist Church in East Prairie.

She was married to Son Aycock, who preceded her in death on Jan. 4, 1946. In 1952, she married Joe Countess, who preceded her in death on May 28, 1986.

One brother, Woodrow McCarty; and one sister, Iva Grimes also preceded her in death.

Survivors include: three sons and two daughters-in-law, Billy and Jane Aycock and Danny Countess of East Prairie and John Joe and Billie Jean Aycock of Charleston; one sister and brother-in-law, Velma Louise and Joe Johnson of Charleston; and eight grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and seven great-

great-grandchildren.

Visitation is from 6-8 p.m. Friday at Shelby Funeral Home in East Prairie, where services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday. David Dowdy will officiate with assistance from Jon Archie and Mike Johnson.

Burial will follow in the Odd Fellows Cemetery near Charleston.

Pallbearers will be: Daniel Aycock, Charlie Aycock Sr., Jason Aycock, Brandon Aycock, Charlie Aycock Jr. and Billy Aycock Jr.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Jo Jo Aycock, Billy Aycock III and J.T. Aycock.