WILMINGTON — Anita Joy McLaurin Collier, 79, a gracious and loving lady passed peacefully from her earthly life Saturday, May 2, 2026 surrounded with love and family at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare in Wilmington.
She was born June 1, 1946 in Sampson County, the daughter of Leighton Richard McLaurin and Georgia Matthews McLaurin. In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Clarence Lloyd Collier and her sister, Gail Blackmon.
In 1964 Joy and Lloyd married and created a blessed Christian home raising their three children, Richard, Michael and Lori instilling in them the value of Godliness and family.
Joy is survived by her daughter, Lori Daniels and husband, Michael; sons, Richard Collier and wife, Wendy and Michael Collier, and wife Angie; grandchildren, Laurin Allred (Alan), Carmen Blair (David), Holly Hatchell (Josh), Kristina Collier, Clark Collier, and Justin Collier; great grandchildren, Jonah, Kelly, Madison, Daniel, Chase, and Baker; nieces, nephews, and loving friends.
Joy worked as a seamstress—but her true calling and “joy” was in her family. She was never happier than when gathered with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Everything she did from the toy box stashed in the closet to the frequent phone calls she made was done with others in mind. Known by her family as “Granny Joy”, she cultivated joy in small but meaningful ways. If you were coming to her house, even for a short time, you could count on your favorite snacks being stocked, a special toy being carefully set out, and the furniture rearranged to accommodate the occasion. Joy was a devoted friend who valued connection and used her telephone for hours a day to chat with those she loved. As a Christian woman her Bible was never far away, marked with the notes of decades of daily use. She was a proud member of Clement Baptist Church, and in her later years worshipped online weekly. Joy is described by anyone who knew her as a faithful woman of God.
The family would like to extend our sincere gratitude to her caregiver (and honorary grandkid!) Morgan Ward, as well as the staff and providers at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare. A special thank you to Bill Pierce, Joy’s neighbor and friend, for his daily visits and checking in on our Granny Joy.
A memorial service will be held at Clement Baptist Church, 6020 Maxwell Road, Autryville, NC 28318 on Friday May 8th at 1:00pm. The Family will receive friends and visitors from 12:00-12:45pm in the Sanctuary.
In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate contributions in Joy’s memory to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation at 1414 Physicians Dr. Wilmington, NC 28401 or Clement Baptist Church at 6020 Maxwell Rd. Autryville, NC 28318.
“I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.” –Psalm 89:1
Shared memories and condolences may be sent to the family here.
