Anna Mary Painter

1924 - 2019

Anna "Mary" Painter, 94, of Columbia, (formerly of Monroe City) passed away on January 3, 2019 surrounded by loved ones. 
She was born August 22, 1924, in Shelby County, to Leo and Ola (Towery) Davis. She was the oldest of 8 children and attended Red Star School in Shelby County. She wed Harold Painter on June 26, 1940. They had 8 children and resided in the PeeDee community. They were married 29 years until his passing in 1969. 
She is survived by two brothers: Charles Davis of Hollister, CA and James Davis of Port Townsend, WA; six children: Dorothy Wisdom of Hunnewell, Joyce Vaia of Bloomington, IL, Betty (Doyle) DeWitt of Fenton, Orville "Dean" (Karen) Painter of El Mirage, AZ, Nancy (Terry) Ryan of Hunnewell, and Janet (Jeff) Turnbull of Columbia; 29 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; one sister, Dorothy Sumpter; four brothers: Donald Davis, Robert Davis, Ed Davis and Harry Davis; two sons: Ralph Painter and Dennis Painter; two son-in-laws and seven grandchildren. 
She was a homemaker for many years before going to work at Henderson's Produce in Monroe City. In later years, she cared for others as a home health aide and passionately served as a foster grandparent for the Marion County Services for the Developmentally Disabled until her 90th birthday. 
She was an active member of her church where she taught children's Sunday school for many years. She loved all things in nature, particularly farming, gardening, flowers and animals. She was an avid reader, exceptional cook and the most generous and selfless person you would ever meet. She was always on the go, putting hundreds of thousands of miles on her car, as she valued spending her time with loved ones and friends. 
A hardworking, passionate figure of strength, who never waned in her support and love of her family and friends. Who soldiered on even when times were tough. As a result of her generous spirit and caring nature she was loved by many. 
Visitation services will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, January 9, at Garner Funeral Home & Chapel. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday, January 10, at Garner Funeral Home & Chapel.
Pallbearers are grandsons; Tommy Wisdom, David Wisdom, Brian Wisdom, Jim Wisdom, Bruce Ryan, Gary Ryan, Derek DeWitt, Randy Morris, Jeff Painter, Anthony Painter, Lowell Painter, Mike Painter and Daniel Painter.
The Honorary Pallbearers will include Roy Smith, Jon Gupton, Gary Thompson and Doug Wilson.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Garner Funeral Home & Chapel, 315 N Vine Street, Monroe City, Missouri 63456. 
Online condolences can be made at garnerfuneralchapel.com.