Joyce Elaine Carpenter Collins

With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Joyce Elaine Carpenter Collins, who left this world on October 2, 2026. Born on May 18, 1961, in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida, Joyce was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. She was the cherished daughter of Margaret Sloan and the late Albert Carpenter, and she spent her early years surrounded by the warmth of her family and the beauty of her hometown. Joyce's journey was one of deep faith, family, and friendships. Educated in the Miami Dade School System, she began her academic journey at Frank C. Martin Elementary School, continued through Richmond Heights Junior High, and graduated from Killian Senior High School. Her love for dancing earned her the affectionate nickname "DeeDee," inspired by the famous Dee Dee Sharp, and she was known for bringing unparalleled energy and joy to every gathering. In the year 2001, on the 6th of June, Joyce married her beloved Jack Collins. Their nearly 24-year union was a testament to love and companionship, a shared journey that began in their youth at Morning Star Baptist Church. Together, they built a life filled with laughter and love, leaving a legacy through their son, Gregory Dowana, and their cherished grandson, Quban Dowana. Joyce's life was enriched by her deep faith, which grew even stronger after she moved to Charlotte, North Carolina. She rededicated her life to the Lord and became an active member of Victory Christian Center. Her faith was her compass, guiding her through life's challenges and joys with grace and strength. She is survived by her devoted spouse, Jack Collins; her son, Gregory Dowana; her grandson, Quban Dowana; and her beloved mother Margaret Sloan Jeffries. Joyce also leaves behind to charish her, siblings John (Ann), Jerry, Jimmy Lee, Sylvia, and Vicki. Joyce also leaves behind her dear friend of over 30 years, Felicia Blount, whose friendship was a steadfast source of joy and support. Joyce's family finds solace in the words of her favorite hymn, "O victory in Jesus, my Savior forever. He sought me and bought me with His redeeming Blood; He loved me ere I knew Him, and all my love is due to Him, He plunged me to victory beneath His cleansing flood." Her faith was her anchor, and these words reflect the peace and assurance she found in God's promise of eternal life. Joyce Elaine Carpenter Collins will be dearly missed but never forgotten. Her legacy of love, faith, and joy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her. Rest in peace, dear Joyce, in the eternal embrace of your Savior. The sunset on Joyce's earthly journey on October 2, 2026, at the age of 65. She has now transitioned to her heavenly home, where she will be waiting for us until we meet again in the presence of our Lord. While we mourn her passing, we celebrate the life she lived-a life full of love, strength, faith, and joy. She kept the faith, and seems she was taken too soon, Joyce lived her dash to the fullest and finished her race. She kept the faith, and now her joy is complete. So, Joyce, rejoice! Your joy is full.