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LASKER – Dozene “Deanie” Drake Collier, age 93, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 13, 2023 at the Gates House Assisted Living in Gatesville, NC.

Deanie was born on May 11, 1929 to Matt Thomas Drake and Margaret Ophelia Lassiter Drake in Northampton County, NC. Deanie was hard working, independent, strong-willed and open minded. She loved her friends, family and never met a stranger. She loved to talk and enjoyed being on the go to new places and new adventures. When she wasn’t on the go, you could find her working in her yard and gardening. She never missed a chance to get a Wendy’s crispy chicken sandwich and a key tag ice cream cup. She always accomplished whatever she set out to do and did it to perfection. Family, immediate and extended, was the number one joy and love of her life.

Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Wilton Collier, and her thirteen siblings, Mary Ella Deberry, Ruby Braswell, Dorothy Frost, Elizabeth Rogers, Helen Barnes, Ruth Barrett, Anne Warren, John R Drake, Lewis Drake, Joe Drake, Billy Drake, Lloyd “Bunny” Drake and Charlie Drake.

Deanie is survived by her daughter, Jewel Gurkin (Worth) of Winterville, NC; three granddaughters, Tara Bradley, Stephanie Bradley, and Beth Mackey (Chris) all of Greenville, NC; great-grandson, Hayes Chambers; two great-granddaughters, Emory Chambers and Isley Mackey, all of Greenville; sister-in-law and friend, Ann Barnes Drake; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 18, 2023, at 2 p.m. at the Lasker Baptist Church, Lasker, NC, with Rev. Ricky Barnes officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church from 1-2 p.m.

Flowers are welcome or memorial contributions may be made to the Lasker Baptist Church, 205 E. Church St. Lasker, NC 27845, or online by visiting tmcfunding.com / search fund, type- Dozene Collier.

The family would like to express their profound gratitude to The Gates House Assisted Living and Amedisys Hospice for their superb care and compassion.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Rich Square Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Collier family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.