Hazel Vivian McGuire Counts, 89, began a New Year with the Lord Jesus on Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2018. Mrs. Counts was a devoted housewife, working early in her career as a telephone operator, and, in her later working years, as a cafeteria attendant for York County schools.
She retired in late 1993. Her beloved husband, Paul M. Counts Jr., preceded her death in mid-1994, leaving little retirement enjoyment together. She was also preceded in death by her father, Wyatt Hester McGuire; mother, Ethel Wilson Gibson; stepfather, Louis; daughter, Jo Ann Gardner; and four younger sisters, Ethel McGuire Gordon, Reba McGuire, Pauline Farrow and Mozelle Barbosa.
She is survived by her son, James Gardner, and his wife, Michelle; daughter, Linda Counts White, and her husband, Tom; grandsons, Ronald and Michael Gardner; brother-in-law, Larry Farrow; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Our mother was a Christian, a shy and non-assuming person, and lived a simple and self-sufficient life. She managed her own affairs, lived within her means, and always found a way to save from her fixed income each month for family birthdays and special occasions throughout her life and to her final days.
A graveside service for the immediate family and close friends will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Jan. 10, at Peninsula Memorial Park, assisted by Amory Funeral Home, and conducted by the Rev. Joel Neubauer of St. Mark Lutheran Church.
In lieu of cards or flowers, the family asks that those who wish to remember her donate to their church or favorite charity. Special thanks to the staff at York Convalescent & Rehab Center for making our mother’s final days as comfortable as possible.
