McSwain-Evans Funeral Home

Helen Cubbison Ragsdale Counts of Newberry widow of James W. Counts, passed away on November 7, 2012, at the age of 89 years.

Mrs. Counts was the daughter of the late Claude Hunter Ragsdale and Alice Coward Ragsdale. She was born on November 7, 1923 in Blair, South Carolina. She was a graduate of Monticello High School and Winthrop College. Mrs. Counts was married to the late James Wedaman Counts for 63 years.

Mrs. Counts is survived by her daughter, Alicia C. Blair (and son-in-law, Bob) of Blair, South Carolina, and Tracey C. Hunter (and son-in-law Bobby) of Silverstreet, South Carolina. Also surviving her are four grandchildren: Allison Blythe Blair, Beverly Wylie Parham (Chris), Nathan James Hunter, and Hollie Helen Hunter. She also has two great-grandchildren, Beverly and Coleman Whitesides of Irmo, South Carolina.

She was predeceased by six of her siblings: Claude H. Ragsdale, Jr., Marjorie Weaks, Virginia Davis, Beverly Rice, John Knox Ragsdale, and James (Sam) Ragsdale. She is survived by one brother, Vernon Ragsdale of Seneca, South Carolina, brother-in-law, Graham Rice of Woodleaf, North Carolina, and sister-in-law, Sylvia Ragsdale of Greenville, South Carolina.

Helen was a devoted wife and mother. She was a member of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, Newberry, South Carolina, for many years. She enjoyed gardening, playing bridge with friends, keeping house and being with her family. She was a great cook and her family loved the Sunday dinners that she prepared.

Graveside services will be held at 3:00 pm, Sunday, November 11, 2012, at Newberry Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Saturday from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1515 Boundary Street, Newberry, South Carolina 29108.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Melanie Crumpton and the staff of Springfield Place for their care and concern in the care of mother in her last years. Also, thank you to Dr. Bernardo and Hospice Care of Tri County for your help.

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