Merlene Maine Counts

Mrs. Merlene Maine Counts, 89, passed away at Satilla Bluffs Senior Care in Blackshear, Ga. on January 15, 2025, surrounded by the many who loved and cherished her. The strongest of the steel magnolias, she was a passionate, faithful Christian, a devoted wife and mother, a nurturing grandmother and a warm, generous neighbor to all. Merelene 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 on May 8, 1935, in Pearson, Georgia to Beryl O. Williams and Mildred Smith, and lived most of her adult life in Waycross, GA. She was preceded in death by her first great love and father of her children, James Curlon Maine (m. 1956 -1991); husband Howard Cook (m. 1993 – 2003) and husband Audie Counts (m. 2005 – 2019). She adored and cared for these men until their heavenly departures, her commitment unwavering and ever true. She was also predeceased by brothers Neil Williams and Jesse S. Smith, Jr. and best friend and baby sister, Maxine Smith. 

Merlene 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. Merlene was 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. 

Merlene is survived by her children, Robert Maine, Deborah Maine Mock and Mark Counts; daughter-in-law Josette Maine, son-in-law Kenneth Mock and daughter-in-law Kim Counts; brother Gerald Williams and sister-im-law Genie Williams; sister-in-law Sue Smith; grandchildren Aaron Maine (wife Rachel), Samatha Maine, Ashley Stewart (husband Drew), Ian Counts, KC Mock, Kristopher Moch and honorary grandson, Jimmy Clark and great grandchildren Elijah Maine, Maximus Maine, Harley Mock and Anakin Mock, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Merlene were held Saturday, January 18, 29025, at 2:00 P. M. at Jamestown Baptist Church with Bro. Dennis Dean and Bro. Lamar Christie officiating. Special memories were from granddaughter Sammie Maine. Special music included a video clip of Merlene singing an old Primitive Baptist song, “Amazing Grace” by the congregation and “How Great Thou Art” by Paula Dean, soloist. The interment followed in Arna Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers were Keith Maine, Robert Maine, Drew Stuart, Mark Counts, Ian Counts, and Jimmy Clark.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following: Arna Church Cemetery Fund, (C/O Roger Osteen, 214 N Chester Ave Douglas, GA. 31533) or Satilla Bluffs Employee Holiday Fund, (C/O Satilla Bluffs Senior Care, 101 Satilla Bluffs Drive Blackshear, GA. 3151).

Relihan Funeral Home of Pearson, Ga. was in charge of the arrangements.