Brenda B. Counts

On Monday August 22, 2022, at approximately 4:30 pm the death angel dispatched from glory to bring Brenda B. Counts in from her earthly cares, toils, and suffering. She was born to the late Russell and Florine Taylor Donald in Elizabeth, New Jersey on January22, 1943. In 1962, Brenda Bertha Donald united in Holy Matrimony to the late Karl C. Counts, and from this union they were blessed with 2 lovely daughters. She was a devoted, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and a friend to all. Brenda was a member of Second Baptist Church, Rahway, New Jersey for 27 years. In 2006, she relocated to Smithfield, VA where she continued her Christian journey at Rising Star Baptist Church. She was ordained as a deaconess and served on several auxiliaries including the trustee board, nursing auxiliary, Sunday school secretary and the women’s auxiliary. Brenda graduated from Abraham Clark High School in 1962 and furthered her education at Passaic County Community College where she received an associate degree in Applied Health Science in 1993. Brenda diligently worked as a registered nurse at John E Runnells Hospital for29 years and retired in 2005. Brenda did not let any grass grow under her feet. She loved traveling, dancing and interior decorating. She loved spending quality time with family and playing family games. Brenda had a love for cooking, baking and opened the doors to her home with love. She was a member of the Association for the Study of African American LIFE and History ASALH) and a member of OSHER, Lifelong Learning Institute at Hampton University. Also, Brenda was a member of Abigail Chapter No. 64, Order of the Eastern Star, Prince Hall Affiliation, Jurisdiction of New Jersey. She was preceded in death by her husband Karl C. Counts, and leaves to cherish her memory, two daughters, Mrs. Sandra E. Hagins (Ernest) of Hampton, VA; Ms. Ericka Counts of Smithfield, VA; four sisters, Shirley Donald of Newport News, VA; Gwendolyn Worley of Roselle, NJ; Elaine Lundy of Edison, NJ; and Denise Dance of Linden, NJ; 3 grandchildren: Ashley Smith (Phillip), Asya Arrington (Britney), and Joshua Hagins; 3 great grandchildren: Xavier Smith, Robyn Garrison, and Zaiyr Smith and host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. She had a smile for everyone A heart as pure as gold To those who knew her and loved her Memories will never grow old. May God who calls our dear one home And gives her peace and rest Give us the faith and will to say “Our Heavenly Father indeed knows best.” A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11:00am on Saturday, August 27, 2022 at Rising Star Baptist Church, Smithfield, VA. Public viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Please keep the Counts family in your prayers.