BLACKSHEAR — Merlene Maine Counts, 89, passed away Wednesday January 15, 2025 at Satilla Bluffs surrounded by the many who loved and cherished
her.
Counts
The strongest of the steel magnolias, Mrs. Counts was a passionate, faithful Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a nurturing grandmother and a warm, generous neighbor to all. Mrs. Counts truly knew that it was more blessed to give than to receive, and she became a matriarch for anyone seeking the refuge of home, in shelter or in spirit.
She was born May 8, 1935 in Pearson to Beryl O. Williams and Mildred Smith, and lived most of her adult life in Waycross. Mrs. Counts was preceded in death by her first great love and father of her children, James Curlon Maine (m. 1956-1991); husband Howard Cook (m. 19932003) and husband Audie Counts (m. 2005-2019).
Mrs. Counts adored and cared for these men until their heavenly departures, her commitment unwavering and ever true. She also was predeceased by brothers Neil Williams and Jesse S. Smith Jr., and best friend and baby sister, Maxine Smith.
Mrs. Counts loved to sing, and regularly attended service and choir at Jamestown Baptist Church. If it was “Amazing Grace,” she sang the loudest, bright shining as the sun.
Mrs. Counts was known for her strong southern will, her infectious, soaring laugh and nicknaming anyone who came into her life “baby.” If you needed love and support, she had plenty to offer — and she’d do it all without a hair out of place.
Mrs. Counts is survived by her children, Robert Maine, Deborah Maine Mock and Mark Counts; daughter-in-law, Josette Maine; son-in-law, Kenneth Mock; and daughterin- law, Kim Counts; brother, Gerald Williams and sister-in-law Genie Williams; sister-in-law Sue Smith; grandchildren Aaron Maine (wife Rachael), Samantha Maine, Ashley Stewart (husband Drew), Ian Counts, KC Mock, Kristopher Mock, and honorary grandson, Jimmy Clark; great grandchildren, Elijah Maine, Maximus Maine, Harley Mock and Anakin Mock; and several nieces and nephews.
A service for Mrs. Counts was held Saturday, January 18 at Jamestown Baptist Church. Burial followed at Arna Primitive Baptist Church in Willacoochee next to her Curlon.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Arna Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Roger Osteen, 214 N. Chester Avenue, Douglas, Ga., 31533; or Satilla Bluffs Employee Holiday Fund, Satilla Bluffs Senior Care, 101 Satilla Bluffs Drive, Blackshear, 31516.
Relihan Funeral Home in Pearson was in charge of arrangements.
