Mary Helms Counts

Mary Helms Counts was given her grand entrance into His eternal kingdom on Saturday, August 15, 2020. Born Mary Carolyn Helms on June 5, 1937 to the late Mary Brown and William Edgar Helms, Sr. She is predeceased by her brothers, William Edgar “Eddie” Helms, Jr. and John N. “Johnny” Helms, and her nephew, William Edgar “Ed” Helms, III. She is survived by her daughter, Elisabeth Evans of Beaufort, SC, her son, Norman Michael Counts (Vicki), of Chapin, SC, her three grandchildren, Jessica Lindsey Counts Foley (Luke) of Nashville, TN, Elijah“Eli” Michael Counts of Columbia, SC, and Jenna Elise Counts of Chapin, SC, and niece, Dinah Helms Cook (Phil) of Columbia, SC. A lifelong resident of Columbia, Mary was a graduate of Columbia High School. She was a member of the Junior Women’s Club where she served various roles. Mary pursued her career with the State of South Carolina working with Vocational Rehabilitation for many years. She also worked at the South Carolina State Museum from its opening in 1988, until her retirement. After retiring, Mary continued volunteer work at the museum in addition to Palmetto Baptist Hospital in the volunteer auxiliary. She was a founding member of Trinity Church where she served faithfully for more than 30 years and formed many strong bonds of friendship. Mary loved to laugh, adored her family and was a faithful friend to many. Above all, Mary loved the Lord, and looked forward to the day she would see him. A memorial service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2020. It will be held at Trinity Church, East Campus on Hallbrook Drive in Columbia, SC, officiated by Pastors Terry Roberts and Jay Kennedy. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Trinity Church, 1501 Hallbrook Drive, Columbia, SC 29209. Family and friends may sign the online guest book at southcarolinacremation.com