Joan Smith Collins

   Joan Marie Smith Collins, 90, of 223 Nixon’s Beach Road, Edenton, NC, died Wednesday, November 29, 2023 in her home where she was cared for by her family.

   Mrs. Collins was born in Hampton, Virginia and was the daughter of the late Joseph J., Jr. and Marie Church Smith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmie Ward Collins; her sister, Candy Neese; and by her brother, MAJ (ret) Ronald L. Smith, USAF.

   A graduate of Hampton High School and the Riverside School of Nursing, she had retired as a school nurse in the York County Virginia Public School System, primarily working at Tabb Intermediate School. Professionally she was a member of the Virginia School Nurses Assn., and the York County, the Virginia, and the National Education Associations. After moving to the Nixon’s Beach community of Chowan County near Edenton, she became involved in the Edenton Woman’s Club, the Chowan Arts Council, and Edenton Baptist Church.

   Surviving are her daughters, Robin Collins Crane (husband, RADM (ret) W. Michael Crane, USN) of Virginia Beach, VA and Angel Collins Broome (husband, Dale R. Hamrick) of Edenton; her brother, Jodie J. Smith of Williamsburg, VA; three grandchildren, Meredith Broome Ross (husband, Michael), Marshall Collin Crane (wife, Elizabeth), and Madison Skylar Crane (fiancé, LT Trent Compton, USN); and three great-grandchildren, Ava Marie Kilcoyne, Gabriel Grace Crane, and Virginia Anne Crane.

   A memorial service celebrating her life will be held Saturday, December 9th, at 2:00 p.m. in Open Door Church and will be conducted by Pastor Steve Mizell. Friends are invited to visit with the family in the church lobby immediately following the service, or all other times at the residence.

   Memorial contributions may be made to the Tri-County Animal Shelter, 138 Icaria Road, Tyner, NC 27980.

   Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements and online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.