Patricia Collins

Patricia Anita Collins, known lovingly as Patty, passed away on March 16, 2026, at the age of 66 in Newport, North Carolina. She was a woman whose warmth, wit, and generous spirit left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Patty was born on August 28, 1959, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Otis and Anita Clark. She grew up with a natural kindness that would define her entire life, a genuine desire to care for the people around her and make them feel at home. In December of 1977, she married the love of her life, Paul Edward Collins, beginning a partnership that would span nearly five decades. Together they built a life rooted in love, laughter, and an open door.

Patty and Paul welcomed their daughter, Sarah, in 1980 and their son, Matthew, in 1982. But for Patty, two children were just the beginning. She had a huge heart and always dreamed of a big family, so she opened their home to anyone who needed a place to stay. Each person who came through that door became one of her honorary "kids," and she loved every single one of them fiercely. Her home was never short on warmth, conversation, or a place at the table.

Throughout her career, Patty worked in retail and insurance, bringing the same energy and care to her professional life that she brought to everything else. During her time at Walmart, she formed several lasting friendships, the kind that carried well beyond the workplace. People were simply drawn to her, and it was easy to understand why.

Patty was an extraordinary reader. She could lose herself in a book for hours on end, sometimes finishing two in a single day. She possessed an immense vocabulary, one she sharpened constantly through her love of the written word. In true Patty fashion, she would challenge herself to find errors in the books she read and correct them, a habit that delighted her and amused those around her. With her signature auburn red hair and a sharp mind to match, she was impossible to forget.

Patty was preceded in death by her parents, Otis and Anita Clark, and her sister, Pamela Clark.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Paul Edward Collins; her son, Matthew Paul Collins; her daughter, Sarah Marlena Collins; and her brother, Bruce Clark. She is also survived by the many honorary children whose lives she shaped simply by opening her heart and her home to them.

Patty held a quiet, steady faith that carried her through life's joys and sorrows alike. Her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace in the arms of the Lord, reunited with those she loved who went before her.

A memorial service celebrating Patty's life will be held on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Noe Brooks Funeral Home and Crematory, located at 201 Professional Circle in Morehead City, North Carolina 28557. Family and friends are welcome to gather and remember a woman who made the world a little kinder, a little warmer, and a whole lot more interesting.

Condolences and life tributes may be sent to the family at www.noebrooks.net

Arrangements by Noe-Brooks Funeral Home & Crematory of Morehead City, NC.