Patricia Lane Collins

Patricia Lane Carter Collins of Martinsville, Virginia passed away on September 5, 2024, at the age of 83 after an acute illness.

Patricia was born in Ruffin, NC on February 21, 1941. She was a 1959 graduate of Ruffin High School, where she played basketball. She was employed by Dupont of Martinsville for 11 years. She left the workforce to become a stay-at-home mother to her daughter, Jennifer. When she returned to the workforce, she had various jobs including McCollum & Ferrell Shoes, and orthodontic assistant to Dr. Carl S. Pedigo and Dr. Albert “Tay” Byrum. She later became a dental assistant, retiring from the office of Dr. Craig B. Dietrich, DDS.

Patricia was predeceased in death by her mother, Virginia R. Carter; father, Joe F. Carter; and a niece, Cynthia B. Fagg, all of Ruffin, NC, along with maternal and paternal grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. She was the eldest Carter left at the family reunion last year, making sure everyone knew it.

Patricia’s surviving family members include her daughter, Jennifer Lane Collins Nease and son-in-law, Carson Campbell Nease of Martinsville, VA; sister, Ann (Annie Lee) Bray and brother-in-law Thomas (Tommy) Bray of Reidsville, NC; brother, Joel (Joey) R. Carter and sister-in-law, Lynn Carter of Climax, NC; grandson, Lane Campbell Nease of Martinsville, VA, who was her pride and joy! In addition, she is survived by her best friends, Fred and Marie Hulse of Martinsville, VA ; special friend, Lillie Cassady of Bassett, VA; her cat, Charmin; her ex-husband, George M. Collins, Jr., and his wife Lisa A. West of Martinsville along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Patricia was affectionately known by family as Patricia Lane, to friends as Pat, to her daughter as Mama, and to Lane, as Gammy, refusing to be Grandma or Granny, as she said that made her sound old.

She was a woman of high moral character, and a child of God. Pat attended First Baptist Church of Bassett, Virginia, serving in various committees, including Greeter, Hospitality, and Bereavement. She was a member of the Comfort and Encouragement Shawl Ministry, and the Discovery Sunday school class. She also enjoyed playing handbells and keeping the nursery. Her congregation will not only miss her, but her beans and her pies!

Pat didn’t look or act like a senior either. She was on the go all time. She was an avid bowler. She bowled 2 days a week with the GO BO Thursday Morning Ladies and the Monday night Church League. She loved to travel on Sunshine Tours bus trips, take cruises, and basically anywhere that she could by ground. She did NOT care for airplane travel. Her most frequent trips were usually anywhere close by, in the backseat of Fred and Marie’s car. She loved to play cards and had a standing weekly game. Lillie is still mad at her for missing the last 3 weeks. She loved her Tarheel basketball. Attending games, listening to Woody Durham on an AM/FM clock radio, or recording them if she wasn’t going to be home. You were not to tell her the outcome, as she had to see it for herself. If she wasn’t doing any of the above, chances are she was attending one of Lane’s events, games, performances, or just visiting with him.

Pat never met a stranger and had strong lifetimes friendships. She would do anything for anyone and would give even when she didn’t have it to give. She touched many people in a positive way. She was the best daughter, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend that anyone could ever ask for, and she will be missed dearly. Her life wasn’t always easy, or happy, but it was a life well lived.

Friends and family are asked to join in fellowship Wednesday, September 11th, 2024, at 11:00 AM at Wilkerson Funeral Home, 1909 Richardson Dr. Reidsville, NC 27320. A Celebration of Life will follow in the chapel at 1:00 PM with Pastor Douglas T. Ramsey officiating.

The family would like to express their gratitude for all the support, prayers, cards, calls, texts, and visits during this difficult time, and in the days to come. Special thanks to Dr. Stephanie Choate and her team at Roanoke Carillion. Their compassionate care will never be forgotten.

In lieu of flowers, please consider the SPCA of Martinsville and Henry County 132 Joseph Martin Hwy. Martinsville, VA 24112, First Baptist Church of Bassett P.O. Box 557 Bassett, VA 24055, or a charity of your choice in remembrance of her life.