Francis Jerome Countiss, Jr., 53 of Oxon Hill, Maryland.

Obituary

Francis "Jerome" Countiss, Jr., was born in Washington, D.C. on December 10, 1965 to the late Francis Jerome Countiss, Sr. and Annie Mae Countiss.  He unexpectedly departed this life on February 26, 2019.

As a child Jerome, traveled to Hopkinsville, Kentucky to spend his summers with his grandmother, GabriaElla Tandy and other family members.  While visiting, he earned the name "Batman."  This name suited him well, for later in life he became a family hero.

Jerome attended St. Margaret's elementary school.  There he became an altar boy and boy scout.  Also, he participated in CYO track and field.  His main events were the shot put and discus. Subsequently, he attended Bishop McNamara High School, where he excelled in academics and football. A highlight of his senior year was playing on the Championship team that defeated DeMatha High School in the Metro Conference Championship game.  In 1983, Jerome graduated from Bishop McNamara High School and was offered academic and athletic scholarships. He accepted an academic scholarship to attend Lincoln University, PA.  Initially, he majored in Aerospace Engineering; however, he obtained his degree in Physics.

After graduating from college, Jerome began his career as a contractor in the IT Security field. Following several contracts, he was employed by the Internal Revenue Service where he worked for twenty-nine years in various departments.  Jerome was a dedicated and committed employee.

Jerome was trained as a barber by his father at Blue Haven Barbershop.  Jerome completed flight school and completed several flights out of Hyde Field Airport. He loved driving and would take long trips alone and with family.  In addition, he was a collector. He collected comic books, stamps, music, African art and Negro League Baseball memorabilia.  Jerome had a thing for fragrances and fashion.  He liked to smell and look good.   He would start grinning when his father would tell him that he looked "sharp" or that "he was cleaner than the board of health." Jerome was always and I mean always up for a good conversation or debate.  He enjoyed reading and learning new things.   In his spare time he liked to deal cards and games of chance.  He also enjoyed motorcycles, going to concerts, attending shows, watching car auctions and travel shows. Jerome rooted for the home teams.  He hung in there with the Wizards and the Redskins.  He liked to exercise and train others in physical fitness.   He never drank alcohol or smoked but he loved to have a good time.

Family meant everything to Jerome. When his mother was living, she was his world. Although he didn't have any children of his own, he loved to claim and support his niece/God-daughter Mia and his nephew Marc, Jr. in practically everything they did.  Also, he encouraged, mentored, supported and tutored many other children.  From the beginning, he was an influential role model.  Jerome also enjoyed spending time with his childhood friend, Phil Frazier.  However, his most important relationship was with his heavenly father.  Even with his flaws he strived to be a faithful servant.  He followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather by joining the Knights of St. John. He was a dedicated and committed member and rose up through the ranks to Major General, Supreme Subordinate President of the United States.  In addition, he served as an usher at St. Mary's of Piscataway Church.

Jerome leaves to cherish his memory to his brother, Marc, sister-in-law, Chyerelle, niece, Mia and nephew, Marc Jr.; aunts:  Blanche Countiss and Jayne Tandy; uncles: John "Pluke" Anderson (Brenda) and Louis Countiss; God-son: Marcoreyon Tandy; God-daughters: Stephanie and Victoria Russell, Janiya Dyson, and someone who was like a daughter, Shannon Bibbs, a special friend, Ruth Proctor, and a host of family, friends and adopted nieces and nephews.

His Viewing will be, 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Prayers, 7:00 pm, Thursday, March 7, 2019 in the Chapel of Thornton Funeral Home, P.A., 3439 Livingston Road, Indian Head, Maryland 20640; Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 am, Friday, March 8, 2019 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 13401 Piscataway Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.

Interment, Resurrection Cemetery, 8000 Woodyard Road, Clinton, Maryland 20735.