Lou Ann Deer Counce,76, passed away on July 7, 2024 at Landmark Lifestyles in Tupelo, MS after an extended illness. Lou Ann was born on July 17, 1947 in Malvern, AR to Ewell and Albertice Shearer Deer. When she was seven, the family moved to the family farm in Brush Creek, AR. Lou Ann graduated from Leola High School and later earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Mississippi.
Lou Ann began her business career in Little Rock, AR. After working in mortgage banking in Little Rock and Memphis, Lou Ann entered public accounting and became a certified public accountant in Booneville, MS, eventually becoming primary shareholder and managing partner of Brawner Vanstory, CPA firm.
Lou Ann cherished fond memories of growing up on a farm where she helped with the large garden and crops, including plowing with a tractor. The tireless work ethic learned on the farm remained with Lou Ann throughout her life. She was a talented seamstress and cook known especially for her prize worthy holiday meals, layered cakes and specialty cheesecakes. She was also an accomplished do-it-yourselfer who taught herself such skills as refinishing furniture, installing crown molding and tile, and building raised stone flower beds. Of all her talents, Lou Ann most enjoyed working outdoors where she maintained a beautifully manicured yard with all types of flowers as well as a vegetable and herb garden. She was an avid reader and a staunch Republican.
A member of First Baptist Church of Booneville for forty years, Lou Ann served on the Finance Committee. She was a former member of the Rotary Club where she served as the 2015-2016 president. Lou Ann also served on the Habitat for Humanity Board, the Prentiss County Historical Preservation Society, the Rails and Trails Museum, and in multiple professional CPA organizations.
After retirement, Lou Ann moved to Tupelo, MS to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. As long as her health allowed, Lou Ann continued to keep up with politics and current affairs and made sure her family did the same through regular quizzing and prodding. Lou Ann retained her quick wit and independent spirit throughout her illness.
Survivors include her daughter, Amelia (“Amy”) Counce Cappleman and her husband, Patrick of Mantachie, MS; brother James Deere of Mablevale, AR; nieces Sandi Koon Garrett, Amanda Deere Ross, and Shawn Deere Richardson and their families. Lou Ann is also survived by her beloved and faithful labrador, Iron Man.
Lou Ann is preceded in death by her parents Ewell and Albertice Shearer Deer; sister-in-law, Ruth Ann Deere; half-sister, Doris Deer Koon, brother-in-law, Raymond Koon; nephew, Keith Koon; and Rue Garrett.
Visitation will be Tuesday, July 9 from 5pm until 7pm at McMillan Funeral Home in Booneville, MS. A private graveside service will be held at Brush Creek Cemetery, Brush Creek, AR. Honorary pallbearers will be Lou Ann’s former business partners Terry Cartwright, Tom Vanstory, Chris Murphy, and Brad Brawner.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to The Baptist Children’s Village, P.O. Box 27, Clinton, MS 39060-0027 or Tupelo-Lee Humane Society, P.O. Box 2143, Tupelo, MS 38803, two organizations of special importance to Lou Ann.
