Joann Taylor Collins

With hearts full of love and gratitude for her life, we celebrate the homegoing of Joann Taylor Collins, who gained her wings and peacefully transitioned on the morning of Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Born in Accomack County, Virginia, Joann was the first and only daughter of Francis and Virginia Taylor. Joann attended Mary N. Smith High School, where she met the love of her life and husband of 60 years, Otha James Collins. After graduating from high school, Joann attended Elizabeth City State University (Class of 1964) and earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. After teaching for 2 years on "The Shore," Joann moved to the Tidewater area, where she taught in the Portsmouth Public School System for 30 years.
Joann was a devoted member of the ECSU Alumni Association, Order of the Eastern Star - Brighton Light Chapter, Red Hatters Association, and Retired Teachers' Association. Joann was a member of Mount Calvary Baptist Church for over 50 years, where she served on the Pastor's Aid Committee, Willing Workers Committee, Voices of Calvary, and as a children's church teacher. She lived a life filled with grace, faith, and love. Outside of dedicating time to her organizations and church, Joann enjoyed shopping, traveling the country, daily talks with her granddaughter, cheering on the Philadelphia Eagles, and watching her favorite show, Project Runway. On any given night around 1:00 am, you could find Joann sitting at her computer desk, playing her games, with the sounds of a Hallmark movie playing faintly in the background.
Putting God and family at the center of everything she did, Joann is survived by her husband, Otha Collins; 2 children, Jacinta (Brian) Phillips and Gerard (Alona) Collins; 6 grandchildren, Kelja (Darius), Jeremiah, Ashon, Jaleel, Maddisan, and Kennady; 3 great-grandchildren; brother, Gregory "Scodie" (Allison) Taylor; sister-in-law, Annette Taylor; grandpups, Phaleesha and Frenchie; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Though our hearts are heavy, we rejoice knowing she is resting safely in the arms of her Savior. Her love, faith, and legacy will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know her.
"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8