Reverend Billy C. Counter

May 21, 1950 - October 5, 2023 Reverend Billy C. Counter, the son of the late Houston and Erma T. Counter was born May 21, 1950 in Weleetka, Oklahoma. He was the seventh of eight children to this union. Rev. Counter greatly honoredhis late grandmother, Lucille Glass, whom he credited as the source of the foundational values for whichhe lived his life.

On Nov. 11, 1972, Rev. Counter met the love of his life, Lenora M. Combs and the two later married on Dec. 20, 1975; they would have celebrated their 48th wedding anniversary this year. To this union there were four children, William Cornestus, Christol LaSalle, Adrienne Aleice and Hannah Danielle. The two started their family in Midwest City, Oklahoma and in 1981, relocated the family to DeSoto, Texas where they lived until they returned to Bristow, in 2015 for their retirement.

Rev. Counter graduated from Central High School in Oklahoma City in 1968, and shortly thereafter pursed a degree from Oklahoma Baptist University. While attending OBU, Rev. Counter was drafted to the United States Army, serving for two years in the position of E2 Specialist. Rev. Counter began his career at AT&T, formerly known as Southwestern Bell, as a lineman and in 1999, retired as a communications technician after 30 years of service. Rev. Counter completed his Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in Computer Science at Dallas Baptist University. He later pursued a Masters of Arts in Theological Studies at Dallas Theological Seminary, Southern Methodist University, and also at Jackson Theological Seminary.

Rev. Counter credited his salvation to his attendance at a Billy Graham crusade in 1968 and shortly thereafter became a member of Walls Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church, in Oklahoma City. After relocating to DeSoto, Texas, Rev. Counter became a member of St. Mark A.M.E. Zion Church, where he accepted his call to the ministry on April 6, 1986. He was later assigned as pastor of Outland Memorial A.M.E. Zion Church, and in 1993, he became the pastor of St. Mark Vineyard, A.M.E. Zion Church, where he positively impacted both the physical and spiritual structure. Rev. Counter remained there until he returned to Bristow, in 2015, completing 22 years of service. In Nov. 2016, Rev. Counter became the pastor of Cooper Chapel, A.M.E Church in Bristow, on loan from the A.M.E. Zion Church. Rev. Counter was a member of the Bristow’s Minister’s Alliance and Christian Minister’s Alliance of Tulsa. Rev. Counter served faithfully and sacrificially in the ministry until the Lord called him home.

Rev. Counter was known for being a man of few words but touched a multitude of lives. He was a great man of faith and integrity, whose words matched his actions. In his free time, he was an avid reader, and cinematic lover, who had a fondness for science-fiction. He loved traveling with his family, including multiple cruises with his wife, family reunions, and Disney World. He had a passion for preaching, singing, and praising God, and he was a man that loved his family.

He leaves to cherish his memories a wife of nearly 48 years, Lenora Maxine Counter; three daughters, Christol L. Wilson (Shawn) of Carrollton, Texas, Adrienne A. Mabone (Algie) of Celina, Texas, and Hannah D. Counter, of DeSoto, Texas; four grandchildren, Kameron, Cayden, William, and Kiva; one brother, DeCarlos Counter of Oklahoma City, two sisters, Deneice Coleman, and Jackie Fadulu both of Oklahoma City; cousin, Mary Jo Eastland of Grand Prairie, Texas; four brothers-in-law, David Coleman, Roland Combs, Arthur Combs, and Marvin Combs; sisters-in-law, Paula Counter, Deneice Turner, Jean Combs, Sharlett Combs, and Pam Combs, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Preceding him in death are his grandmother, Lucille Glass, mother, Erma T. Counter, sister, Anita Counter Holloman, brothers, Houston Counter, Melvin Counter, and Graham Counter, brother-in-law, Sunday Fadulu, aunt, Peggy Biggers, cousin, Barbara Davis, and his beloved son, William C. Counter.

Rev. Billy C. Counter, in his 73rd year, transitioned from 'Labor to Refreshment' on Thursday, Oct. 5, 2023 in Tulsa.

The Consecrated Hour of Remembrance to reflect, worship and celebrate the life of this fallen servant commenced on Saturday, Oct.14, 2023 in the most holy sanctuary of the Trinity Baptist Church, in Bristow.

Visitation for Rev. Counter, as he slumbered in peaceful repose was Friday, Oct. 13, 2023 from the hours of 1 - 6 p.m. in the All Faiths Chapel of Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc.

Burial followed in the Tabor Cemetery in Slick.