In Loving Memory of Carol Jean Counter

Carol Jean Counter, age 84, of Aurora, Colorado, passed away peacefully on July 4th, 2026, at Shalom Park retirement community. 

Carol was born on February 16th, 1942, in Phoenix, Arizona, to James Nicholas Counter II and Margaret Ann Counter (Plettner).  She grew up in the Denver area and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1965 with a master's degree in history and humanities.  Carol married Lee Courkamp in 1966, and they had two sons together.  In 1968 She became a teacher at Bear Creek High School in Lakewood, Colorado, where she taught world history and psychology/sociology for over 22 years.  She was a talented and beloved teacher who was affectionately referred to by her students as “Mom C.”  Outside of her secular teaching career, Carol was a very dedicated and active member of her local church as a Bible study teacher and prayer group leader.  Serving God in this capacity was truly her life's greatest passion.  She also held a regular Bible study group in her home called “Agape” that was specifically for her high school students that were interested in learning more about God’s Word and growing in their Christian faith.  In 1993 Carol moved to San Diego, California, where her eldest son and family resided.  She continued to teach at various educational institutions while in California and was actively involved with local church ministry.  In 2005 Carol moved back to her beloved state of Colorado where she ultimately retired in Aurora.  In her last days she was still known to be teaching God’s Word and ministering to anyone that was near her.  She was truly a warrior for Jesus to the end, both in word and in prayer.

Carol is survived by her two sons Lane Courkamp (wife Lisa Courkamp) and Craig Courkamp (wife Tanya Courkamp), nine grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, and her two younger brothers Stephen Newell “Steve” Counter and Charles Gordon “Charlie” Counter.  She was preceded in death by her eldest brother James Nicholas “Nick” Counter III. 

A "Celebration of Life" service will be held on August 15, 2026, at 10:00AM at Shalom Park 14800 East Belleview Dr, Aurora, CO 80015.