Nonnie Matilda Collins

Nonnie Matilda Adams Collins, age 94, of State Road, passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2026, at Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home in Dobson.

Mrs. Collins was born May 15, 1931, in Wilkes County to Loton Samuel and Dossie Elisabeth Darnell Adams.

Nonnie was a member of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, loved God and her family unconditionally, and in the words of her daughters “tried to keep everyone in line.”

As a witness to the strength of the love between Nonnie and her daughters, Ann and Marie wanted to share the following message. As we mourn the death of our beloved Mother, we are rejoicing that she is joining that great cloud of witnesses in heaven. Nonnie was a nurturer, avid gardener of vegetables and flowers, caregiver of numerous family members, seamstress of beautiful clothes and quilts and the best homemade biscuit maker around according to our northern cousins. Nonnie faced challenges with determined independence, quiet yet unshakeable faith, courage, and resilience. When her failing vision took her abilities to perform the activities she enjoyed, she plotted a new course, even taking risks to accomplish those goals. Nonnie faced many personal family member losses with unfailing resolve to quietly move forward trusting in God and relying on her cherished sisters, our Aunt Jenny (Aunt Mary and Aunt Vetril prior to their passing). These traits led to her remarkable long life and the many memories we will cherish.

In addition to her parents Nonnie was preceded in death by her husband Russell Laverne Collins; a daughter Terry Lou Collins and son Dennis Russell “Buddy” Collins; sisters, Mary Gentry and Vetril Holbrook, a brother Sandy Lee Adams; two grandsons Mark Edward Absher and Shane Michael Collins; and two twin great-grandchildren John Mark Absher, Conerly Morgan Absher.

Survivors include: daughters, Ann Absher and her husband Jerry of North Wilkesboro, and Marie Collins Poteate; sisters Virginia “Jenny” Adams Crews: a daughter-in-law Vicky Marsh Collins; a sister-in-law Hazel Adams Smiley; three grandchildren Jeremy Chad Absher and wife Becky, Aaron Samuel Poteate and wife Sydney Dotterer, and Ashley Nicole Poteate; and two great grandchildren Laura Clare Absher and Hudson Holland Poteate; and several nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life will be conducted Saturday, February 21, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church in State Road with Reverend John Newton officiating. Interment will follow the service at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church Cemetery. The family receiving will be held at 11:00 am prior to the service at the church.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the nurses and doctors at Hugh Chatham Hospital ER, second floor and ICU as well as Jennifer, Dr. Waite and other amazing team members at the Woltz Hospice House for their loving care of our mother.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, 1997 Pleasant Ridge Rd, State Road, NC 28676 or the Joan and Howard Woltz Hospice Home, 945 Zephyr Road, Dobson, NC 27017.