Nancy Collier Johnson

Nancy’s story began November 13, 1956, when she was born to parents Roy Marvin Collier Sr. & Joyce Scott Collier, as well as older brother Roy, at St. Anthony’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. Living in Pinellas County her entire life, Nancy often fondly recalled things like growing up around greyhounds at Derby Lane, living off 49th Street when it was still a dirt road, and giving birth to her daughter within the same hospital walls in which she was born.

After attending Cross Bayou Elementary and Pinellas Park Junior High, Nancy graduated in 1974 from Dixie Hollins High School. She enjoyed being a cheerleader at PPJH, where many long-time friendships began. In high school, Nancy went on to become a majorette, write for the school newspaper, and allegedly taught or inspired many of her peers how to do their hair and makeup.

Nancy explored various careers after she graduated high school: veterinary technician under Dr. Partridge at Riviera Animal Hospital, pharmacy technician at All Children’s and Palms of Pasadena Hospitals, and late-night shifts during college at Home Shopping Network, to name a few.

In 1986, Nancy married Paul; together, they brought their daughter Brittany into the world on February 12, 1988. After being told earlier in life that it was unlikely she would have children, Nancy was thrilled about and treasured her pregnancy. Even without knowing the sex of her growing baby, Nancy would tell you she just knew she was having a girl.

After she and Paul parted marital ways, Nancy decided to return to college to become a teacher. In May 1998, Nancy and 19 other University of South Florida students became the first graduating class of the Teachers for All Children (T.A.C.) program. This accelerated associates to master’s program allowed Nancy the opportunity to earn certifications in both elementary and special educations. During her years as an educator, Nancy reconnected with old friends who had also become teachers and made amazing new friendships everywhere she worked. Nancy was naturally gifted at working with children of varying exceptionalities. She made impactful change in the lives of her students at schools like Robinson Challenge, Southward, Ponce de Leon, and Rawlings Elementaries until she retired for health reasons in 2016.

Somewhere amongst the wide world of America Online chatrooms, Nancy’s eye was caught by a gentleman with a dry, witty, and intelligent sense of humor. Doug, from Austin, Texas, “signed on” to Nancy’s life in January 1996; their relationship built over emails, phone calling cards, and mailing each other photos of life in their respective cities. The two married in Florida on March 21st, 1997, in a small ceremony that fit the self-described Soulmate Husband & Soulmate Wife perfectly. Nancy chose a kind, patient, loving partner for herself and Bonus Dad (nicknamed Diego) for Brittany.

Nancy was talented in numerous ways. She was an excellent writer, had a way with animals, and was both artsy and crafty. From homemade hair bows, to play stick-ponies, to dance and Halloween costumes, to doodling your name with cute bubbles on the ends of each letter; Nancy had a limitless imagination for what could be. For humility, some of her flaws included being (admittedly) tone deaf, forgetting where she stashed one or two gifts each Christmas, and having a nearly irrational fear of frogs.

Nancy is predeceased by her mother and father (2016 and 1973, respectively), grandparents, and a few other loving members of extended family. Those left behind to miss Nancy include her husband of over 27 years, Douglas Scott Johnson, as well as her daughter Brittany Nichole Agamaite Hartup. Caylin Agamaite, Nancy’s granddaughter, was one of the greatest joys of her life. Nancy was not just the first person in the family to lay eyes on Caylin that December 2009 evening but also had the privilege of cutting her umbilical cord. Nancy and Doug have always been an integral support system for Brittany and Caylin, and the family of four lived together until early 2016. Nancy gained the son of her dreams when Brittany met Terry Hartup in 2015 and was ecstatic when the two married in 2019. Roy Marvin Collier Jr., Nancy’s older brother, is also among the grieving and sentiments are shared by cousins and other extended family. Over the entirety of her life, Nancy was also blessed with a few sisters-by-choice who miss her dearly: Nina, Cindi, Edna, Becky, and Michelle.

Although they will try to honor her life and legacy daily, Nancy’s family hopes you can join them for an official celebration on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at 2:00 PM. The celebration of life will be held at Serenity Funeral Home, located at 13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, Florida 33774. Light snacks will be provided.

There is no obligation to wear black to this event; Nancy’s favorite color was purple. She also loved shades of pink and coastal blues. In lieu of flowers, please consider pledging to donate to a Nancy Collier Johnson Memorial Scholarship the family will establish in the future; intended to help local single parents pursuing a degree in education.