Dorothy Lucille Counts

With deep love and quiet strength, Dorothy Lucille Counts was born on September 2, 1933, in Pike County, the cherished daughter of Callie Ella Louisa Smith and Harry Basha Smith. She had four brothers and one sister, but she grew up especially close with her sister and youngest brother, forming early bonds that shaped her caring spirit and determination.

Dorothy was a woman of tremendous faith, and in 1978, she experienced a spiritual rebirth when she was born again - a turning point that defined the rest of her life. She lived out her beliefs with quiet strength and steady love, treating most people with warmth and kindness. Though she had her share of challenges and human struggles, especially in her younger days, her faith carried her toward healing, forgiveness, and grace.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Reginald Counts; her beloved oldest son, Charles R. Petty; and her dear daughter, Toni Louise Dyer. Their memories remained close to her heart every day, and her love for them never faded.

She is survived by her daughter, Beatrice Parker; her husband, Wendell Dean Parker; her son, Paul Lewis Petty and his wife, Adrian Petty; her son William Edward Petty "Will"; her son, Leon Petty; and her daughter-in-law, Sherrell Ruth Petty, the wife of her late son, Charles.

Dorothy leaves behind a remarkable legacy of 20 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren, and 29 great-great grandchildren. Her family was blessed to experience five generations, with Dorothy as the cherished matriarch. She was the last of her family from the Great Depression era, a living bridge between generations. Her unwavering faith became the quiet strength that shaped the generations after her- a guiding light passed down through her prayers, her example, and the deep love she carried for each of them.

Serving as pallbearers will be Will, Zach, Ray, Chris, Scott and Shane with David as honorary pallbearer.

A friends and family visitation for Dorothy will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 at 1:00 PM at Leak Memory Chapel, 945 Lincoln Rd, Montgomery, Alabama 36109, followed by a celebration of life service at 2:00 PM officiated by her son, Leon Petty. Services will conclude with a burial at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens.