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Carolyn Collier Obituary
Yorktown - Carolyn S. Collier left this life unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 13, 2012. Carol was born in Rocky Mount, NC and lived there until she was a teenager. She then moved with her parents to Williamsburg, VA and attended James Blair High School. She later completed her business degree at Smithdeal-Massey Business College in Richmond, VA.
In 1969, Carol met and married her soul mate, James W. Collier. This was the beginning of their wonderful life together, and their love for each other never wavered. They were a couple that were truly inseparable for 43 years. They moved to York County, and in 1975, Carol began her lifelong career at W.M. Jordan Company in Newport News. Carol was the Executive Assistant to Bill Jordan until his retirement in 1985. From 1985 until the present, she was the right arm and quarterback for John R. Lawson II, President and CEO, and his family.
Carol was a member of the Executive Assistants Organization of the Peninsula, and also served as Director in 2000. She and her husband Jimmy have been active members of the Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue since 2007. It was on Valentine's Day of 2007 that they adopted their own greyhound 'Lucy.' Lucy has been the joy of their lives. This adoption was the beginning of their passion to reach out and help so many track dogs to find loving homes.
Carol is survived by her husband James W. Collier of York County; her 'bestest' and lifelong friend Karen Holston and her husband John of Seaford; a sister-in-law Carol Jesses of Middlesex; and brother-in-law Alan Collier, also of Middlesex.
The family will receive friends from 9 to 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 19, in Amory Funeral Home, Grafton. A memorial service will be held at Noon on Tuesday, in the main lobby of the Mariner's Museum in Newport News. A reception will follow at 1 p.m. at the James River Country Club.
Carol was loved by everyone whose life she touched. She will be missed so very much, and we will remember her every day for the rest of our lives.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Greyt Expectations Greyhound Rescue, P.O. Box 1225, Lusby, MD 20657.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Carolyn Collier
Angela Waite
June 10, 2024
I still miss your gracious smile and cleaning your office every weekend your presence is still there in photos and in spirit. May you continue to rest in peace Ms.Carolyn
Angie
Jean Smith
June 10, 2019
Carol, I still miss you so much. You were a good friend and I will never forget you.
Bill and Jean Smith
June 26, 2012
We've lost a very dear friend that we have known for 30 years. She brought us many hours of friendship, love and fun. We went on cruises together, weekend trips and we were part of a special couples group called the "A.S. Club" in which we played cards, ate dinner and laughed a lot. Carol with Jimmy got us interested in a cruise for our honeymoon 27 years ago. Nothing or no one will ever be able to replace her in our hearts and she will be missed by us every day. We love and miss you Carol. Our love and sympathy go out to you Jimmy. We will always be here for you. Love, Bill and Jean
Michele Jeffers RN
June 25, 2012
Mr. Collier,
I am so sorry to hear about Carolyn.. My prayers and thoughts are with you always.
Love,
Michele RN
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Steve & Lynn Burcher
June 21, 2012
Jimmy, We are so sorry to here about Carol. If there is anything that we to please call. We will miss her greatly.
Michael Monahan
June 20, 2012
I knew Carolyn in high school. She was always friendly and would take time to talk. I missed her after graduating and lost touch with her right after high school. I searched online for her name to try to reestablish contact with her, but was always unsuccessful. I always hoped she was happy and doing well. I'm very glad she had a happy life and am sorry to find her when I can no longer talk with her. God bless and keep her and my greatest condolences to her family.
Debbie Robertson
June 19, 2012
Jimmy, Our thoughts and prayers are with you. May wonderful memories of your times shared together fill your heart. Randy and Debbie Robertson
Angela Waite- AMG Services
June 19, 2012
Your beautiful smile and kindness will never be forgotten, you will be deeply missed.
Janice & Tommy Powell
June 18, 2012
So saddened by the news that Carol has passed. She was the bright light at the end of the tunnel and a source of great laughter, knowledge and wisdom. May she rest in peace. Thinking of you Jimmy.
Gail Davis
June 18, 2012
I first met Carole 20 years ago when I was the executive assistant to the CEO at Mary Immaculate Hospital, and her boss - Mr. John Lawson - was on our Foundation Board of Directors. Every time I had to plan a board meeting, Carole was always so helpful and would make sure to somehow fit it into Mr. Lawson's busy calendar. The last 11 years I waa at CHKD in Norfolk, and once again Mr. Lawson was on one of our Boards. Carole was the person who always made sure his calendar was flexible enough to fit in with everyone else's plans, whch wasn't easy with 20+ members! We had many chats over the years and I met her on several occasions when I delivered board packets to her office. Carole was a true professional, yet always had a cheerful, upbeat attitude, a smile, and a kind word. I'm so glad I knew you Carole - you definitely made my life better! Thank you for everything. Love, Gail (your British pal!)
JoAnn Nemie
June 18, 2012
Jimmy, Carol will live forever in our hearts her smile was endless, her love for you & the life you had together will live on until you meet again... Peace be with you my friend I know she is in spirit with the Angels.
June 18, 2012
Jimmy, we were so shocked and sadden upon hearing of Carol's passing. She was a lovely person through out, always had a smile and a story to tell. She was truly the " go to person" She will be missed by so many, but has left us all with fond memories to last a life time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Skip & Ruthann
Charlene Isner
June 18, 2012
My deepest sympathy Jimmy and Lucy. Carol was a beautiful lady on the inside and out. I had the honor of being her hairstylist for years. She was an inspiration in many ways. May you feel God's comfort.
What a group!!
Jerri Michael
June 18, 2012
I had to share this Photo from Bell Ringing Christmas 2011. Carol, Jimmy and Lucy in true style!
Rick Moberg
June 18, 2012
My deepest sympathy to you Jimmy.I have known Carol since she went to work for W.M.Jordan and have the best memories of a great gal.She always had a beautiful smile and warm personality.She will be missed by all she touched.
Rick
Donna Behringer
June 18, 2012
So sorry for your loss, Jimmy. She was such a vibrant lady even though I only saw her once a year at the Reunion Picnic for GEGR.
50th Anniversary Celebration
Jerri Michael
June 18, 2012
Jimmy and Lucy, I was shocked to hear of Carols passing. I told her after her last health crisis, that I didn't want to walk by her desk without seeing her at it and how glad I was to see her when I rounded the corner! She was a remarkable woman with so much heart and passion for life and to have it cut so short is just unfair. We all know that we are replacable, however I have to say that Carol is one lady who we will never be able to replace. It is a empty place in my heart as we shared the passion of animals. I will miss this beautiful lady every day! May you and Lucy move forward with lots of great memories and know that I think about you two every day!
June 18, 2012
Jimmy, I will always remember how special Carol was to me and everyone. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you. If you need anything please contact me. Earl
Rachel Mertz
June 18, 2012
Jimmy, I am so very saddened to hear of Carol's passing. I am lucky to count her among my small group of the finest people I met when I lived in Virginia and worked for W.M. Jordan. Her presence illuminated a room and she was remarkable in every sense of the word. How lucky we all are to have known her.
Linda Bergh
June 17, 2012
I'm so sorry. Carol was a wonderful person. I had a wonderful talk with her at the GEGR picnic. We discussed Lucy's formal attire and how the new collar she bought would enhance it.
June 17, 2012
Jimmy, We send our prayers. Carol is one of the most spirited and kindest persons we have ever met. Her smile and laugh will be missed by all. Deepest sympathies. Katrina and Norman
Janet Mardis
June 17, 2012
Jimmy,
Reed and I were so sad to read about the passing of Carol. We
had just seen you all by pass us and we said how good she looked. we enjoyed our cruise with you all so much the memories will live on forever may God Bless you and Just know she will always be by your side .
Reed and Janet Mardis
Lucrecia and Tom Baigis
June 16, 2012
Jimmy--our deepest sympathies. Carol was lovely and you both made such a nice couple. I will miss her comments on FB. It must be a very hard time for you and sweet Lucy. Big hugs to both of you.
Sherry Stokes
June 16, 2012
I met Carol only twice, but talked to her by phone many times. My former employer is a well known businessman on the Peninsula who always knew who the “go to” people were, and he would always say “just call Carol, she will know” . She was a kind and sweet soul and it came through in our every conversation. I'm not surprised to learn she loved rescues so much. Rest in peace, Carol. You made a mark more than you would ever know.
June 16, 2012
Jimmy, Beyond words. I love you. We have shared every up down and all around. You know how I am feeling. I embrace you my dear. Big love! Paige
Pat and Scott Barlow
June 16, 2012
Jimmy,
We are so sorry to hear about Carol. Please know we are thinking about you.
Karen Riggs
June 16, 2012
Jimmy, I'm so sorry and so very sad. Carol was a lovely, kind woman with a big heart. My deepest sympathies to you and your sweet Lucy.
Chuck & Diane Arthrur
June 16, 2012
Jimmy
Chuck and I were devasted to hear the loss of sweet Carol, Please know that we all feel you pain and loss. We had such fun with you guys on cruises and at those WM Jordan Christmas parties. Carol will greatly missed but is in the arms of angels now.
Hugs Chuck & Diane Arthur
Tracey McLaurin
June 16, 2012
So very sorry for your loss Jimmy & Lucy. She was a wonderful woman & will be missed by many!
Una and Ron Shurtleff
June 16, 2012
We were saddened to hear of Carols passing. May the love of family and friends help you through this sad time. God Bless!
Christina Carter
June 16, 2012
So sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderful lady. My prayers are with her family and friends.
Alanna MacIntyre
June 16, 2012
Jimmy I am so sorry. Carol was a lovely lovely lady with such a kind heart. She will be missed. Sending my deepest sympathy to you and Lucy.
Laurene Buckley
June 16, 2012
My condolences to Jimmy and Lucy and the rest of Carol's family and friends. I only knew her as a fellow GEGR person and through Facebook, but am nonetheless so sad to hear of her passing.
kristin white
June 16, 2012
we may have been years a part in age but you were a true friend to me over the years - you were always smiling and made the best of each day. i will miss you carol. may you rest in peace on a cruise ship in heaven drinking a cosmo. jimmy, i love you and i am here if you need anything.
Edna Johnson
June 16, 2012
Carol was a lovely Lady who was a true friend. She always had a smile and kind words for everyone she encountered. Life will not be the same without her. She was the Matriach of W.M. Jordan Company and her presence will truly be missed. She will always be in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. During this great time of sorrow and grief our condolences go out to Jimmy, Lucy, Karen, The Lawson Families, the W.M. Jordan Family and everyone who knew and loved Carol.
Edna, Elissa, Elle and Bob
The Johnson Family.
Andrea Garner
June 16, 2012
Jimmy, Our thoughts are with you. Carol was a wonderful woman and will truly be missed. Hugs to you and Lucy.
Doug and lisa Parran
June 16, 2012
Jimmy, you are in our thoughts and our prayers.
Shane Rakowski
June 16, 2012
Carol, I can't believe your gone. I will miss your sweet smile, talking with you, and shopping with you!! Jimmy if you need anything don't hesitate to call! love-Shane R
Ellen Stepp-Harper
June 16, 2012
So very sorry to read of the passing of Carolyn. I remember the many times I saw her at Patrick Henry Mall and we talked about the many cruises she had taken with Jimmy. She will be missed by so many. We shared many memories of our class at James
Blair when it was the only high school in Williamsburg.
Mickey & Bob Chasteen
June 16, 2012
Jimmy and Lucy, We were devasted to hear about Carol. Cannot imagine how you cope with the loss of someone who has been in your life for so long. You have been a great companion to her especially, during these past few years.
Mickey & Bob
Dennis Hargrave
June 16, 2012
Jimmy,I was sorry to see Carolyns passing,we will all miss her.
June 16, 2012
We are so sorry to hear this sad news. Carol will be greatly missed. May she rest peacefully in the arms of angels. James and Patti Moore
Karen Holston
June 16, 2012
So many memories for the last 37 years. You have been my real sister and best friend and I shall miss you everyday for the rest of my life...I Love you Carol....Karen
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