Joyce Albers

December 10, 1941 – May 5, 2025 Joyce Mosteller Collins Albers passed away peacefully on May 5, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in Milledgeville, Georgia, on December 10, 1941, Joyce lived a life marked by curiosity and creativity. She was raised in idyllic Athens, Georgia on historic Woodlawn Avenue with her loving parents and two older sisters. She was an active member of First Presbyterian Church, through which she met some of her closest friends. Her father was a small businessman with a passion for carpentry, and her mother was a gracious and hospitable homemaker. Joyce graduated from Athens High School (Class of ’59), where her favorite activity was being a majorette in the marching band. She went on to earn a degree in Journalism from the University of Georgia (Class of ’63), of which she was very proud. Her time at UGA was marked by accomplishments, including securing an internship that had previously only been available to male students. Her early career began at Gracewood State School and Hospital in Augusta, Georgia, where she worked in public relations. After moving to southwest Georgia, Joyce became active in community service through the Junior League of Albany, including leading the garden renovation of the historic Smith House. Joyce also taught journalism at Deerfield-Windsor School, where she shared her knowledge and enthusiasm for storytelling. Years later, she served as Director of the regional March of Dimes for several years, rallying others to support the cause. While residing in Albany, Georgia, Joyce was married to Dr. Chappell Collins, Jr., with whom she raised her three children—Anna Collins (John Haber), Mary Helen Hudspeth (Tom), and Chappell Collins, III. She created a beautiful home with her remarkable talent for all things artistic. Her hobbies included French hand sewing, needlepoint, metalworking, and jewelry design. She had an exceptional eye for beauty—whether arranging flowers, decorating a space, or crafting something by hand, Joyce made the world more elegant. Later in life, she met her beloved Hugh Albers, and they were married for 14 years before his passing. She cherished his family, including his late son Chuck Albers (Ellie), Gail Albers (Pat), Lorraine Green (Woody), and his three granddaughters and grandson. One of their favorite shared joys was listening to the Albers grandchildren perform beautifully in orchestra settings. Joyce found great peace and inspiration in the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado, and the desert life of Sun City West, Arizona. In Estes Park, she taught art classes at the YMCA of the Rockies and launched a new chapter as a jewelry designer—an endeavor that captured her passion for detailed artistic expression. Joyce was known not only for her many talents but also for her thoughtful, introspective nature. Though an introvert at heart—favoring quiet moments and meaningful one-on-one conversations—she also had a charming presence that could shine brightly when the occasion called for it. She possessed a delightful sense of humor and a deep appreciation for authentic connection. She loved getting to know people on a deeper level, and when it was time to celebrate, she could effortlessly become the belle of the ball. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Benjamin Burnett, Collins Haber, and Mary Hunter Haber, who brought her immense joy. She supported her granddaughters locally—attending dance recitals, school events, and family celebrations—and was always Ben’s biggest fan, cheering on his fishing dreams from afar. Joyce will be remembered for her determined strength, her artistic talent, her elegance, and her curious intellect. She touched many lives with her creativity, insight, and charm. Her presence will be missed, and her memory will live on in all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held in Milledgeville, Georgia. The family asks that donations be made in Joyce’s honor to the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado—an organization and place that brought her so much happiness. http://www.ymcarockies.org/give

Joyce Albers

December 10, 1941 - May 5, 2025