Nancy L. Counts

In Loving Memory of Nancy L. Counts July 9, 1940 - June 26, 2026 Sparks, Maryland gave us a gift on July 9, 1940, in the form of Nancy L. (Ryan) Counts, a woman whose kindness and warmth touched all who had the privilege of knowing her. On June 26, 2026, Nancy passed peacefully at WellSpan Hospital in York, PA, leaving behind a legacy of love and devotion that will be cherished forever. Nancy was the beloved daughter of the late Raymond S. Ryan and Francis E. (Wirtz) Mays. She was preceded in death by her husband, the love of her life, James Z. Counts, with whom she celebrated 51 years of marriage. Their union began on June 20, 1958, in Sparks, MD, marking the start of a beautiful journey together. She was also predeceased by her son, James Ray Counts, Sr., her grandson, Jarod D. Counts, and her sisters, Patricia Ann Cranston and Carol Darlene Warren. Nancy's life was a testament to the strength and warmth of family. She is survived by her loving children: John "Randy" Counts and his wife Christine, Renee Cunningham and her husband Russell, and Deborah Martinez and her husband Hiram. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, James Ray Counts, Jr. and his fiancée Ashlee, Jesse Lee Counts, Sr. and his wife Tiffany, Amber Brunicke and her fiancée Lance, Lydia Kiser, Teanna Wagner and her husband Thomas, Gideon J. Counts, Candyce Counts, Lleana I. Martinez and Jovani H. Martinez. Her great-grandchildren, Trinity Brunicke, Jesse Lee Counts, Jr., Russell Brunicke, Dakota Counts, Genesis Roycroft, Dillon Counts, Rose Roycroft, Kaylee Shupert, Jasmin R. Counts, Myia Wagner, and Danny Schaeffer, will carry forward her spirit of love and kindness. Nancy's life was dedicated to nurturing and caring for those around her. As a devoted homemaker, she found immense joy in creating a warm and loving environment for her family. Her culinary talents were legendary, her meals and desserts described as food for the soul, and her kitchen was always a place of comfort and joy. Her faith was the cornerstone of her life, guiding her to serve God through her work with children at Hereford Assembly of God and Shrewsbury Assembly of God. Whether teaching Sunday School classes or participating in Missionettes, Nancy's dedication to her faith was unwavering. Her love and acceptance of everyone she encountered were evident in her welcoming smile, which made all feel seen, loved, and appreciated. Nancy is also survived by her sisters, Joan D. Leatherwood and Janet E. Mays and her husband Ricky, as well as her daughters-in-law, Judith A. Abel and Debra Counts. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on July 18, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Harvest Time Temple Church, located at 700 Black Rock Road, Hanover, PA 17331. The family invites you to join them in honoring Nancy’s life and legacy. A pot-luck luncheon will immediately follow the service. Please contact Renee if you would like to contribute. Flowers for the service may be sent to the church. The family expresses their deepest gratitude for the love and support they have received during this difficult time. Nancy L. Counts will be remembered for her immense heart, her unwavering faith, and her boundless capacity to love. Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure, and she will be deeply missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear Nancy, in the arms of the angels.