Ethel Counts

"If you think of me and don't smile, don't think of me at all. I am a flower blowing in the wind."

Ethel Counts, 92, Kingsport, went home in the arms of Jesus on Tuesday, September 17, 2013 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. Born in McRoberts, KY, she had resided in Kingsport for most of her life. She had been employed at ITT North Electric and had operated several boarding houses. Ethel, in later years, was a caregiver for numerous people.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Arvil "Pug" Counts; two infants, Vivan Sue and William Howard Counts; parents, Jim and Edna Mullins; three brothers; one sister; and two precious grandchildren, Jon-Jon and Greg Childress.

Ethel is survived by five daughters, Anna Lee Carter and husband, Gerald of Las Vegas, NV, Edna "Sissy" Renfro and husband, Buddy of Kingsport, Betty Clark and husband, Johnny of Kingsport, Shirley Counts of Kingsport, and Margaret Childress and husband, Don of Kingsport; son, Robert Counts of Kingsport; four grandchildren, Angie Freeman and husband, Louie, Sheila Carter, Robby Childress and wife, Cindy and Jeff Renfro and wife, Missy; six great-grandchildren, Brayja, Kylee and Brianna Carter, Abby and Olivia Childress, and Gabe Renfro; very special niece, Sherry Stewart Edwards of Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7:00 pm at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport and at anytime at the home of her children. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Bob Yates officiating.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Honorary pallbearers will be Robby Childress and Jeff Renfro. Pallbearers will be Ron Brewer, Dennis Gardner, Gary Egans, Corbett Gillenwater, Cornell Williams and Corey Gillenwater.

Special thanks to the staff of Amedisys Hospice, especially Kris Tipton, for the loving care shown to Ethel.

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