Patricia Counts Obituary

JONESBOROUGH - Mrs. Patricia Lee Marks Counts, 91, of Jonesborough, passed away Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at the Johnson City Medical Center.

Patricia was a member of Community Baptist Church in Jonesborough, TN. She went on two mission trips to Mexico She worked for over fifty years in the medical field. She began her nursing career at the old Appalachian Hospital in Johnson City, TN, where she worked in the pediatric unit and radiology department. She was an EMT, volunteering with Washington County/Johnson City EMS. She received her Associate Degree in medical assistance and a Bachelor's Degree in Business and Executive Management from Bristol University.

Patricia was past President Elect of the Tennessee Medical Assistant Society. She was an Alumni of Milligan College, where she continued her nursing career. She was constantly continuing her education and training. She received certification in hazmat training and industrial hygienist testing. She also taught many classes on self-contained breathing apparatuses and CPR. She also attended East Tennessee State University for industrial emergency classes. She was a TOSHA compliance officer and implemented requirements and inspections. She was an instructor for thirty years in the associate degree program for Medical Assistants at Johnson City Technical School, East Tennessee State University, Walter State and the National School of Business and Technology.

Patricia was program coordinator for East Tennessee State University's Continuing Professional Education program. She was an adjunct professor at East Tennessee State University in the allied health department. She was guest lecturer for the Industrial Safety Engineering department at East Tennessee State University. She worked at the Johnson City Medical Center in the emergency room as a triage nurse. She completed many hours volunteering wherever she was needed. Governor Lamar Alexander presented her with an "Honorary Tennessee Colonel ad-de Camp", for her volunteer work.

She loved to teach whether at school or church. She worked in the church nursery and taught Bible school. Serving the Lord in her church was much joy for her. She had a loving, caring family and raised them up to love and trust Jesus. She loved flowers and planted as many as she could find space for. She always wanted to play the piano and sing a solo in her church. God gave that to her when she was eighty years old. She wanted her life on this earth to count for Jesus, knowing he would call her home when she had completed her work.

Patricia was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee Counts; father of her children, Cecil Ray Marks; parents, Dora Lee Stuart, and Edward M. Lee; daughter, Deborah Jensen; brothers, Richard Lee, and William Lee.

Survivors Include her children, Bobby Marks (Jill) of Myrtle Beach, SC, Teresa Marks Rose (Steve) of Johnson City, TN, Rebekah Marks Manis (Greg) of Rogersville, TN; stepsons, Douglas Counts (April) of Elizabethton, TN, Scott Counts of Johnson City, TN; grandchildren, Brooke Jenson, Joseph Durham, and Raquel Marks; step-grandchildren, Owen Counts and Fletcher Counts; great-granddaughter, Rihanna Todd, and sister Shirley Knox.

The family of Mrs. Patricia Lee Marks Counts will receive friends from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at Tetrick Funeral Services, Johnson City. The funeral service will follow at 12:00 PM with Pastor David Williams officiating. The graveside committal service will be conducted at 2:00 PM at Washington County Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be selected from friends and family. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 1:50 PM.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples Street, Johnson City, TN 37604, is honored to serve the Counts family. (423) 610-7171.