Joyce Collins Wagner

Joyce Collins Wagner, 85, of Centralia passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 8, 2021, surrounded by her family, at her son’s home in Benton, IL. She was born on October 9. 1935 the daughter of Hiley James and Ethel Birdie (Gray) Peoples in Jefferson County in Illinois. She married Elwyn Collins in 1956 and five children were born to this union. Elwyn preceded Joyce in death on August 16, 1996. Joyce later married Eddie Wagner in 2007 and he preceded her in death in 2009. She then married Charles “Ed” Maxfield and he survives her in Centralia.

Survivors that will remember Joyce’s devotion to her beloved family, her children, Cathy Porter and husband Art of West Frankfort, Illinois, Elwyn “Buck” Collins, Jr. and wife Kellie of Englewood, Tennessee, Brian Collins and wife Ann of Tifton, Georgia, John B. Collins and wife Nena of Benton, Illinois, and Joanna L. Abbott of Arlington, Tennessee; her nine precious grandchildren; her nine cherished great-grandchildren; and her husband Ed Maxfield.

Along with her first husband Elwyn Collins, and her second husband, Eddie Wagner, Joyce was preceded in death by her parents, Hiley and Ethel Peoples; one sister; and five brothers.

Joyce had admirable leadership and organizational skills which she shared with her grateful employer while working as a restaurant manager at Coletta’s on Summer Ave in Memphis Tennessee. Her greatest desire was to provide for her family’s needs with grace and love. She raised an amazing family and doted on her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Joyce was proud of her family and felt an appreciation to be a part of who they grew to be. She really enjoyed traveling to visit with family members. She was the best storyteller and could really paint a picture for everyone who was listening or laughing along with her.   She liked to try her luck on the slot machines enjoying the rush the big WIN gave her.  Joyce loved to fish for Crappie and fry it up for friends and family.  She was most known however for her fried chicken.  She will be deeply missed, but her life will be remembered with a smile and in celebration.

Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia is privileged to be assisting the family of Joyce Collins Wagner with arrangements. A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 P.M. Saturday, June 12, 2021 at Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia with Brother Paul Keller officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in rural Sandoval.  A visitation time to offer condolences to her family will be held from 11:00 A.M until time of service at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia where those in attendance will be asked to follow CDC guidelines in regard to masks, those vaccinated, and social distancing. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made in Joyce’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital and SSM Good Samaritan Mt. Vernon Hospice. Online condolences and memories of Joyce may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

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