Edith Ann Counts

Born in Fort Worth, Texas to the late Noble Edward McKillip and Sarah Catherine Adams McKillip, Edith was also predeceased by husbands, Ernest Black and James Counts; daughter, Catherine Harris; son, Phillip Counts; and granddaughter, Jamie Brown.

Edith is survived by her children Rosemarie Carroll, Eddie Huddleston, Larry Counts, and Linda Brown; ten grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well as, her family at First Baptist Church.

Initially the doctors told her mother, Catherine, it was at extremely great risk to have Edith, but being the woman her mother was she was birthed in her home. So one might say she was a "Miracle Baby".

A humorous note was when her one and only brother came home and heard her first cries, he thought it was a kitten.

Edie grew up in a strong faith based home. Her father, Noble, was employed by the Rock Island Railroad, but he was also a pastor. Her mother being a preacher's wife would often be called out to help with other families leaving Edie in the care of her older siblings, family, or church members. From the beginning, Edie was instilled with a strong faith and sense of community which she kept throughout her life.

Edie graduated from Carter-Riverside High School in Fort Worth and attended college at her father's Alma Mater, TCU.

Edie worked for numerous government agencies from GSA, DOD, VA, and finally H.U.D from which she retired from in 1994.

It was while working at HUD that she met Ernest Black. The first true love of her life, Ernest Black and Edie were married in 1977. Sadly, she lost Ernest in 1992.

It was also through the HUD office she met and formed a friendship with another family, Jim and Nancy Counts. Jim and Nancy were extremely helpful to her after Ernie's passing. And when Jim lost Nancy a short time later, Edie and Jim found comfort in their shared loses. Eventually friendship grew to love and Jim and Edie married in 1994. A short time later they moved to Hot Springs where they lived for the rest of their lives.

Edie loved music and happily God gifted her with a beautiful voice. Any chance she got she would belt out in song. Sometimes not at the most apt time. Eliciting such responses as "EDIE!!!", "BABY!!!!", "MOM!!" or "MIMI!!”

Edie’s musical tastes encompassed many genres- from Big Band to Country and even the rock group, STYX. However, it was gospel music which loved most- songs which when sung, lifted up her Lord. At family reunions she and her siblings would bring out the hymnal and break into chorus. Children and grandchildren also performed at these gatherings following the example of their parents and grandparents. On vacation with her sisters in Guadalajara they would sing, and even over the phone they would sing to each other. Edie sooooo loved music.

If you knew Edie you knew of her love of reading. Almost nothing gave her more pleasure than spending time with a mystery, adventure, and romance. If you came to visit her at any time during the day or evening you more than likely find her in her favorite chair in another world. But it was in the morning when she had her most meaningful time when she would open her bible to spend time with her Lord, either through her Sunday school lesson, the church newsletter, Pastor's recommendation, or just her daily devotional. She had an early and lifelong love of the Lord which she passed on to her children and grandchildren.

Another love of Edie’s was the outdoors. She would have flowers, plants and set up decorative bird feeders. Sometimes Edie would sit and watch the hummingbird feed. But her favorites were the cardinals of which she had numerous trinkets scattered throughout her house.

Another passion was her cooking. At holidays it was almost Norman Rockwell-esque the time and effort she would put into the holiday feasts. Ranging from the homemade turkey, to her fudge and divinity. On Sundays the family would gather after church to lunch. And then to retire to the living room to enjoy her other fave the Dallas Cowboys! More often than not she would fall asleep on the couch.

At birth she was named Edith Ann; but during her life she carried the names of MImi, adored mother, faithful friend, loving wife, and follower of Jesus! She had the wonderful ability to make everyone from total strangers to family feel loved and uplifted. Along with her deep love was deep dislike for strife being between children, grandchildren, friends or her church family. She was a peacemaker and strived to teach peace regardless of the differences.

Edie’s quirky sense of humor sometimes drove friends and family crazy - again sometimes getting the responses of "EDIE!!" "BABY!!" "MAMA!!" "MIMI!!!” She was quick to show her ability to laugh during the harshness of life.

It was her love of the Lord where she found her greatest peace and strength. Be it at the church office, committees, choir, and her ever faithful service to her other family in her Sunday school class. It will be all these wonderful things that she will always be remembered and missed.

We know she is singing and rejoicing in Heaven with family and friends praising our Lord and Savior.

A Visitation will be at Gross Funeral Home Monday, July 5, 2021 from 4-6pm. An 11am Funeral Service on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 will be officiated by John McCallum at First Baptist Church, 2350 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas. Burial will follow at Pinecrest Memorial Cemetery, 7401 AR-5 N, Alexander, Arkansas 72002 beginning at 3pm.