Joyce E. Collins

Joyce E. Collins, 80, of Peoria, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Unity Point\Methodist Hospital in Peoria surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 8, 1936 in Peoria, Illinois to William R. and Goldie B. (Lance) Baxter. She married Gerald F. Collins Sr. on April 17, 1955 in Spartanburg, South Carolina. He preceded her in death on May 10, 2011 in Peoria, Illinois. She was also preceded in death by one daughter, Colleen Lentz, one granddaughter, Andrea Kay Moore and two brothers, Phillip and William (Billy) Baxter.

Joyce is survived by two children, Becky (Andy) Moore of Peoria, Illinois and Jerry (Brenda Schierl) Collins Jr. of Hanna City, Illinois; one son in law, Jeff Lentz of Norwood, Illinois. She has six grandchildren, Shannon and Steven Shepherd, Kiley, Caitlyn, Hannah, Ethan and Cami; and one great grandson, Collin Lentz.

She was in the first graduating class at Limestone Community High School in 1954 and a member of the Christ Lutheran Church of Peoria. Joyce volunteered for over 10 years at OSF St. Francis as a “Lap Lady” in the nursery. She was a member of Al-Anon for over 30 years. Joyce was a loving friend and listening ear to so many.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, April 26, 2016 at the Christ Lutheran Church in Peoria. The Rev. Karl Eckhoff will officiate. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM Monday at the Davison Fulton Bartonville Chapel and one hour prior to services at the church. Burial will be in the Lutheran Cemetery in Peoria. Memorials may be made to her Church or the American Brain Tumor Association 8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave, Suite 550, Chicago, Illinois 60631. You may create an online condolence at www.davison-fultonbartonvillechapel.com.