Lorena "Kay" Counts

Kay was the beloved daughter of the late Chester and Esther Armstrong. She was a sister to James Armstrong and Deborah (Armstrong) Townley, and was preceded in death by her brother, Joseph Armstrong.

Kay shared 54 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband, N. Gray Counts, who preceded her in death. Together, they built a life centered around Christ, family, love, and devotion, creating a legacy of faith that continues through the generations.

She was the loving mother of Polly (Brent) Pearson, Molly (Steven) McClelland, and Betsy (Ian) Williams. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, James Grayson Counts. She also held a special place in her heart for her adoptive son, Bill Downey.

One of Kay's greatest joys was her growing family. She was a cherished grandmother to Gray (Rachel) Pearson, Lincoln (Megan) Pearson, Del (Jordan) Pearson, Bryce (Jenna) McClelland, Ryan (Kortney) McClelland, and Bailey (Matthew) Combs. Her legacy of love continues through her 17 great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Through the years, Kay witnessed her family grow across generations, leaving behind a beautiful legacy of faith, love, connection, and treasured memories.

Kay loved the Lord deeply, and that showed in her commitments. Kay grew up attending Wixom Baptist Church, and later attended Waypoint Free Methodist. Waypoint was where Kay called home for many years. She was a faithful servant at Waypoint; she cherished her time there and the relationships she built. Kay most recently attended Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church. She was a lifelong Bible study leader and Sunday school teacher; this is where her passion for teaching and love for the Lord came together. She also spent many years of devoted service teaching at Oakland Chrisitan School where she invested in the lives of children, and spread the love of Jesus.

Kay's life verse was "Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice." Philippians 4:4. This was shown in the way that she lived, and especially shown on her pin she couldn't go without. Kay lived a life that was built on rejoicing in any circumstance.

Although her family will miss her deeply, they find comfort in the countless memories they shared, the lessons she taught, and the love that will continue to connect them. Her presence will be felt in family gatherings, familiar traditions, shared stories, and the generations who carry her legacy forward.

Kay's life was a gift to those who knew and loved her. She will be dearly missed, lovingly remembered, and forever held in the hearts of her family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Gideons International. https://gideons.org/donate

A visitation will be held at Tyrone Covenant Presbyterian Church, 10235 White Lake Road, Fenton, Michigan 48430 on Friday, October 23, 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm. A funeral service will follow beginning at 12pm. There will be a private graveside service where Kay will be laid to rest at Wixom Cemetery until the Lord comes again.