Laura Lee Collins

Our beloved Laura Lee Collins passed away in Honolulu, Hawaii on March 18, 2024. She was born on April 14, 1957, in Cherry Point, NC. She is preceded in death by her mom - Peggy Joyce Gill Thompson, her father John Collins, and her adoptive father Merlin "Tommy" Thompson. Peggy and Tommy were from Kenai, Alaska. Laura was also preceded in death by her beloved Grandparents - Earl and Willie Kay Norton Gill of Hayti, MO, her Aunt Betty Brooks, and Uncle Joe Brooks of Hayti, MO. Her Aunt Maria Gill from Sacramento, CA, and Uncle John Foster of New Orleans, LA. She was preceded in death by 3 beloved cousins. Glenn Brooks, his daughter Sarah Brooks, and David Gill.

She leaves behind many living relatives. Her many cousins, her Uncle Jack of Sacramento, CA, Aunt Mary of Beech Bluff, TN, and Aunt Marla of Montgomery, AL. Also, her late adoptive father - Tommy Thompson's children - Linda Weaver, Elaine Snyder, Ken Thompson, and nephew Dean Thompson.

We will miss her greatly. Those who got to know her - were blessed and knew that she was a lovely person with many great qualities. She was a kind-hearted, intelligent, sensitive, caring, and sweet person. She was a Christian and loved her family. She liked to keep in touch with her family - the younger and older generations and all those in between. She was a true blessing to her family.

Laura lived on her Grandparent's farm in Hayti, MO until she was 6, when her mom moved to Alaska. She often returned to the farm in the Summer and spent the Summer with her Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles, and many cousins.

She went to high school in Kenai, Alaska, and Graduated in 1975. She went to Auburn University for a year. Then she went to a variety of other Universities over the years - including Kenai Community College, and the University of Alaska at Fairbanks. Later, she took continuing education classes at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. She worked at various jobs through the years. Some of her positions included working in insurance, secretarial work, in a Chemistry lab and in a bakery.

Laura loved to learn. She was often researching the many subjects that interested her. She loved history, science, nature, and animals. Especially, ancient history - Alexander the Great, Cleopatra, Japanese culture, and Mongolian culture. She belonged to the DAR - Daughters of the American Revolution - genealogical organization.

She lived in Oahu for around 30 years. She was a Hawaiian at heart. Laura knew many Hawaiian words and phrases. She was interested in Hawaiian culture and history. Laura enjoyed smelling and looking at the beautiful Hawaiian flowers. She loved Hawaiian music. Often going to concerts, festivals, and other public performances. She watched most of the great Hawaiian musicians and singers. She was a big fan of Hawaiian singing legend Israel "IZ". One of her favorite activities was going to the parks and beaches near Waikiki and Ala Moana Park. Watching and listening to the birds in the parks near the beaches brought her much joy. She enjoyed watching the chickens and chicks in the parks. Horses, dogs, birds and cats were some of favorite animals. All creatures great and small was one of her favorite books. She enjoyed watching the ships, surfers, and people at the beach. She loved the Hawaiian sunsets and watching the stars, planets, and moon at night while the waves came in and out on the shore.

Laura enjoyed most sports. Especially, pro football and Tennis. Nadal, Federer, and Tom Brady were some of her favorite athletes. When she was younger, she liked to hike and even played ice hockey for fun.

She had many fond memories of her family and growing up in Missouri. Spending time with her wonderful Grandparents on their farm in Hayti, Mo. Being with her aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family.

Building treehouses with her cousins Paul Brooks and Joe Wesley Brooks (which Grandpa Earl Gill usually removed). Working on 4-H projects with her Grandma Willie Kay Norton Gill and making desserts like donuts for her younger cousin Phillip and the family. Grandpa taking the Grandchildren and her Aunt Mary Gill to get custard ice cream or shakes at the local Dairy Queen. Swimming at Reelfoot Lake - bravely diving off the highest platform - before anyone and with no hesitation. Going to church at Calvary Baptist Church in Hayti, MO with her family. Laura had a beautiful soul.

We love you, Laura. May you be with the angels and with all your loved ones in Heaven. You are in the Lord's hands now and in the Lord's care. May the Lord bless you always.