Celeste Elizabeth Countess, one of eleven children, was born on July 8, 1934 to the late Joseph Walter, Sr. and Rachel Countiss in Charlotte Hall, Maryland (St. Mary's County). On August 2, 2012, God sent His angel who quietly carried Celeste home to glory.

Celeste completed her high school studies at Banneker High School in Loveville, Maryland. Afterwards, she continued her studies at Cortez Peters School of Business and graduated with academic honors with a degree in Administration. She enjoyed a long career, with a reputable law firm in Baltimore, Maryland as a legal secretary. She continued working until various illnesses impacted her health.

Celeste loved her family, especially her nieces and nephews who were like her children. For her, family events were always an enjoyable celebration. Celeste loved to dance at these occasions; the cha-cha was her favorite dance. When her parents became ill, she left Baltimore to care for them. After their passings, she returned to Baltimore to live with her sister.

Early in her life, Celeste accepted Jesus as her personal savior; she loved the Lord. She was an active member of St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church for most of her life where she and her sisters, Cecelia and Mary, served as three faith warriors of the church. With her sisters, Celeste was a dedicated member of the Blessed Mother's Sodality. Celeste was a devout and faithful servant of God, spending many hours in solitude and prayer. She loved praying the rosary, listening to the word of God and helping out at church. For the past two years, her various illnesses prevented her from attending the church that she loved dearly. Recently, Celeste was honored at St. Edward's Roman Catholic Church's Unity Sunday in June 2012 as a "trailblazer", being one of the foundation members of the church. She was very proud of this honor and cherished this recognition.

Although plagued with a number of illnesses, admirably, Celeste never complained about the pain she endured. She went about life with a lot of spunk and tenacity, never letting anything stop her.

Celeste is survived by: her sisters, Helen Williams, Cecelia Yorkshire, and Delores Datcher; her brothers Joseph W. Countiss, Jr. and Francis Countiss, along with five nieces, six nephews, and a host of great nieces, great nephews, other relatives and friends.

Arrangements provided by Brinsfield Funeral Home.