Nellie Counts

Age 84, of Clio, Michigan, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026. A private burial will take place at Sunset Hills Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family on Nellie’s tribute wall at martinfuneralhome.com.

Nellie was born on October 20, 1941, in Carson Lake, Arkansas, to James and Minnie (Goble) Nodine. She married the love of her life, Charles, on May 7, 1956, in Mississippi, beginning a devoted marriage that remained the foundation of her life.

Nellie was a talented seamstress who turned her passion into a profession when she opened Nellie’s Boutique, which she proudly owned and operated for more than ten years. Sewing and quilting were lifelong loves, and she found joy in creating beautiful pieces for others. In her free time, she also enjoyed embroidery, curling up with a good book, spending time with her family, and preparing big dinners for summer family picnics. One of her simple pleasures was butter pecan ice cream, which she especially enjoyed.

Nellie is survived by her daughter, Brenda Kaye; her daughter-in-law, Sandra; her grandchildren, Talena, Eric Sr. (Danyelle), Tara, Brandon, and April; her great-grandchildren, Eric Jr. and Nikki; and her sister, Candy.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Ray; her sons, Charles Lee, Gary, and William (Bubba); her daughter-in-law, Sherry; and her granddaughter, Amie.

Nellie will be remembered for her creativity, kindness, her love of family, and the warmth she brought to everyone who knew her.