Jo Dean Winsett Counts, age 75, of Flintville, TN, passed away on February 24, 2026, at Donalson Care Center in Fayetteville. She was born on March 3, 1950, in Lincoln County, TN, to the late Marvin and Virginia Chick Winsett.
Jo Dean was a faithful member of Flintville First Baptist Church and dedicated 39 years of hard work to Amana/Goodman Manufacturing. She built many dear friendships over the years, especially with those she worked alongside each day. To know her was truly to love her.
She was honest almost to a fault, sassy, and a true spitfire. Jo Dean was a character who always made her presence known. A tireless worker, she poured her heart into the things that mattered most—her children and grandchildren. She absolutely worshipped her grandchildren and loved cheering them on and supporting them in everything they did.
She is survived by her husband of nearly 42 years, Lonnie Counts; daughter, Christi (Ricky) Howell; step-daughters, Angie (Randall) Stephens and Tammy (Jamie) Quick; grandchildren, Andrew (Katie) Howell, Taylor Howell, Bailey (Ty) Durham, Colton Quick, Adrianna (Brett) Harris, and Alisha (Jake) McNeal; and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, Jo Dean was preceded in death by an infant son, Cary Allen Taylor; her brother, Butch Winsett; her beloved maternal grandmother, Virgie Chick; and Christi’s father, Clay Taylor.
Jo Dean’s fire, her laughter, and her fierce love for her family will never be forgotten.
A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home with Bro. Josh Moran and Bobby Plunkett officiating. Burial will follow in Flintville Cemetery. Visitation with the family will be from 5 PM to 7 PM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at Higgins Funeral Home.
Higgins Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Jo Dean Winsett Counts.
18 Comments To "Jo Dean Winsett Counts"
#1 Comment By Wanda Shelton On February 24, 2026 @ 4:43 pm
I’m so sorry for your loss.
#2 Comment By Dorothy Taylor and Randy On February 24, 2026 @ 4:57 pm
So sorry to hear this she was a great person she thought a whole lot of my brother that passed in Vietnam they went to school together and was friends she will be missed prayers for her family
#3 Comment By Mary Wilson On February 24, 2026 @ 5:14 pm
I never worked with Jo Dean but I knew who she was. Never heard anything but good things about her. I k ew who she was when I saw her. I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers for the family.
#4 Comment By Gerald and Wanda Scott On February 24, 2026 @ 5:15 pm
We are So Sorry. She was a Beautiful Lady inside and out. God Bless the Family and Friends with Comfort and Peace. ❤️🙏❤️
#5 Comment By Janice mastin On February 24, 2026 @ 5:25 pm
Who ever wrote the obit knew the same lady I did. She was one in a million. She will be missed
#6 Comment By Trish millins On February 24, 2026 @ 5:51 pm
Christy our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of sorrow.
#7 Comment By Debbie Morris On February 24, 2026 @ 6:20 pm
She was a precious friend. So many good times at work. My heart breaks for all the family. Praying for all the family.
#8 Comment By Dave and Roxanne Grimm On February 24, 2026 @ 6:49 pm
Sending our deepest condolences and prayers in your loss of such a beautiful mama, mother in law and nanny to Christi, Ricky, Andrew and Taylor. We’re so sorry for your loss.
#9 Comment By Janice King On February 24, 2026 @ 7:16 pm
Very sorry to learn of jodean passing.
Worked with her 34 years.
Lots of fun, help you in any way she could.
I ask her ,” how are you jodean ”
She always reply “:tried as dog”.
Love her. She will be missed.
#10 Comment By Diane owens On February 24, 2026 @ 8:30 pm
JoDean was a lovely and beautiful person, we grew up together and as the years have passed she was still the same. She will be dearly missed. I’m so sorry for your lost and you all are in my thoughts and prayers.
#11 Comment By Willie Pitcock On February 24, 2026 @ 8:46 pm
I have known her my whole life. Her dad and my grandma were first cousins. She was always so sweet. We really thought a lot of her. Sending prayers for her family 🙏
#12 Comment By Katie Womack On February 24, 2026 @ 11:16 pm
So sorry about the loss of your loved one. May God put His loving arms around you all during this very difficult time 🙏❤️
#13 Comment By Brown On February 25, 2026 @ 2:19 am
JoDean was one of a kind I’m so glad I went to see her at Donaldson few weeks bk.We held hand and talked bout things we did when we were younger.Sweet lady
#14 Comment By Sandra brummitt On February 25, 2026 @ 8:13 am
Jo Dean meant so much to us and Lonnie was a dear friend to mom 👩 ❤️ we love them both
#15 Comment By Shirley Mann On February 25, 2026 @ 5:52 pm
Sending love hugs and prayers
#16 Comment By Judy Stafford On February 26, 2026 @ 10:56 am
Lonnie and Family, I’m so sorry to hear about Jo Dean’s passing. Bless you all. Thinking of you all during this time with prayers and thoughts.
Judy
#17 Comment By Ronnie Thomas On February 28, 2026 @ 10:43 am
Christi and Family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of your dear loved one. May God wrap his loving arms around all of you as you go through this difficult time. You are all in my Thoughts and Prayers.
#18 Comment By Marsha Bradford On March 4, 2026 @ 12:19 pm
So sorry to hear of Jo Dean’s passing. She was a friend of my aunt, Karen Gardner, and was a character! She was always sweet and funny! Prayers for her family!