Johnathon Pierce Counts

Pierce was a true warrior who battled an unforgiving illness his entire life with amazing courage, strength, and determination. Through countless challenges and difficult days, he continued to show a spirit that inspired everyone around him. Even when he was suffering, Pierce was often the first to give a thumbs up and let those around him know he was okay.

Pierce was loved by all who had the privilege of meeting him. His wonderful sense of humor drew people in, and his personality left an impression wherever he went. Despite the obstacles he faced, his shortened life was full of adventures, laughter, love, and wonderful memories.

Pierce especially loved traveling and cruising, making memories and enjoying the opportunity to see new places. He was also a passionate Houston sports fan and proudly supported all of his hometown teams. His love for the Houston Astros was particularly special, and cheering for his Astros was one of his favorite things.

Music was another important part of Pierce’s life. He loved listening to music, with Coldplay and U2 among his favorite bands. Their music was part of the soundtrack of many of his memories and adventures.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Charles Calvin and Jesse Crabtree; his uncle, John Richard Counts; his cousin, Elizabeth Calvin; and his great-grandmother, LidaMae Doolittle.

Pierce is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Laura Counts; grandmothers, Edna Crabtree and Martha Calvin; aunts and uncles, Dallas and Brendan Hayes, Chuck and Connie Calvin, Larry and Sylvia Calvin, Mark and Teresa Calvin, and Darryl and Cyndie Gross; along with many beloved cousins and extended family members who will forever cherish his memory.

The family would like to express their deepest and most heartfelt gratitude to Pierce’s wonderful team of physicians, Dr. Amber Gibson, Dr. John Slopis, and Dr. Lenora Noroski, as well as the amazing teams at MD Anderson Cancer Center, Texas Children’s Hospital, and the AT-Children’s Project. Their compassion, dedication, expertise, and unwavering care meant more to Pierce and his family than words can express.

In true Pierce fashion, the celebration will feature a Houston sports teams theme. Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Pierce, his love of Houston sports, and the joy and laughter he brought to so many lives. Please feel free to wear your favorite Houston sports team apparel as we celebrate Pierce and the teams he loved so much

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Pierce’s memory to organizations that were meaningful to him and his family: A-T Children’s Project, National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.

Pierce leaves behind a legacy of courage, humor, strength, and love. His thumbs-up spirit, infectious sense of humor, love of adventure, and the countless lives he touched will never be forgotten.

He fought like a warrior, loved like a son, laughed like a friend, and lived every moment with courage. His life was far too short, but the impact he made will last forever.