Joyce Ann Collins of Laurel passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 at TidalHealth Nanticoke, Seaford.
Born on March 2, 1939 in Cannon (Seaford), she was the daughter of the late Robert G. and Beatrice Lankford Gilbert. A 1957 graduate of Seaford High School, Joyce then enrolled at Salisbury State Teachers College (now Salisbury University), graduating in 1961.
She retired in 2002 after 40 years of teaching second graders at North Laurel Elementary.
Joyce had resided in Laurel with her late husband Dallas Kenneth Collins for 62 years. Mr. Collins passed on Sept. 13, 2020.
A devoted wife, mother, mom-mom and friend, Joyce had the sweetest disposition and positive outlook on life even when faced with various health challenges. Anything involving family, home, beach, music, TV and outings with her caregivers for that beloved chocolate milkshake brought her great joy.
In addition to her late parents and husband, she was also predeceased by her brother, Richard W. Gilbert, formerly of Wilmington. Joyce is survived by a loving family: son, Brad Gilbert Collins (Deanna); granddaughter, Paige Collins Parlier (Keith); and grandson, Travis Gilbert Collins.
A graveside funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 20 at 1 p.m. at Cokesbury U. M. Church Cemetery, 5939 Cokesbury Road, Rhodesdale, MD 21659 (near Reliance). Pastor Blair Hall will officiate. A viewing will be held at the Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home, 700 West Street, Laurel, DE 19956 on Friday, Aug. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Memorial contributions may be made in Mrs. Collins’ name to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215. The Hannigan, Short, Disharoon Funeral Home Laurel is serving the Collins family.