Marie Waddell Counts

Marie Waddell Counts, 85, of Kingsport died Friday morning, February 11, 2011 at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.

Born in Hot Springs, NC, she had resided in Kingsport most of her life. Marie retired from First Broad Street United Methodist Church in 1990 where she worked as church hostess for many years. She was an avid gardener and enjoyed planting, nurturing and watching things grow. Marie was a member of the Kingsport Garden Club and First Broad Street United Methodist Church. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Marie was preceded in death by her husband, R. Carl Counts; son, Dale W. Counts and three brothers, Ronnie, Charles and S.O. Waddell, Jr.

Survivors include two daughters, Margaret C. Kirk and husband, Tom of Chicago, IL, Suzi Little and husband, Jeff of Kingsport; five grandchildren: David McClellan, Amy M. Spence and husband, Allen, Sanja Lyon and husband, Carleton, Carl Counts and wife, Misty, Bennett Little; six great-grandchildren, Jake and Lucy Lyon, Hannah and Sarah Counts, Austin and Addison Spence; brother, Frank Waddell and wife, Edna of Baileyton along with several nieces and nephews.

The service will begin at 4 pm on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at First Broad Street United Methodist Church with Rev. J. Spurgeon McCartt and Rev. Jack P. Weikel officiating. The family will receive friends following the service.

Graveside services will be conducted at noon on Monday at Oak Hill Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street United Methodist Church, PO Box 1346, Kingsport, TN 37663 or to the charity of one's choice.