Joyce Helen West Collins

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of Joyce Helen Collins, who passed away on January 29, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on February 14, 1937, in North Carolina, Joyce lived a life filled with love and dedication to her family. She spent her days working as an assembly worker in the clothing manufacturing industry, but her true passion was her family and the simple joys of life.

Joyce was a devoted member of Love Valley Baptist Church in Kings Mountain, where her spirit and kindness touched many lives. She cherished her children, Vernon West (Debbie), Anne Cochran (Jeffrey), Ruby Williams, Teresa Ramirez, Pam Gessner, Charline Lanier (Richard), Tammy Godwin, and James Abee (Gay), and was a proud mother who always found joy in the little things. She is also survived by her grandchildren, David West (Elizabeth), Tabitha Johnson (Ralph), Christa Woods (Paul), Stevie Cagle, Lynn Morgan, Pebbles Robinson, LeeAnn Pope, Crystal Parks, Chuck Motes, Jimmy Cochran, David Melton, James Melton, Randy Melton, Paul Melton, Freddy Gessner, Joshua Gessner, Ricky Lanier, Ashley Davis (Jeffrey), Tamara Hice, and Michelle Gibbie; many great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren; many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Britt and Ruth Dalton West; husband, Buddy Collins, whom she met at church; daughter, Lisa Marie Wright; brother, Vernon West; grandchildren, Jennifer Abee, Bobby Pasquela, Dalton Parks, and Anderson Melton; stepson, A.T. Sisk (Linda).

Joyce found peace in nature, often venturing to the mountains she loved so much, and enjoyed the warmth of the sun while reminiscing about happy times spent sunbathing with her late husband, Buddy. Music, especially the timeless tunes of Elvis Presley, brought her immense joy and formed the soundtrack of her life.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 AM on Sunday, February 2, 2025 at Love Valley Baptist Church with Pastor Barry Philbeck, officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. Joyce will be laid to rest near her granddaughter at Gaston Memorial Park, Gastonia, NC.

Memorials may be made to Love Valley Baptist Church PO Box 1128 Kings Mountain, NC 28086.

Rest easy, Joyce. Your love and strong spirit live on in those who were blessed enough to know you.

The South Chapel of Greene Funeral Service is serving the Collins family. Condolences may be shared online at: www.greenefuneral.com