Laura Jo Johnson-Collins

January 12, 1962 – October 10, 2026

Laura Jo Johnson-Collins was born on January 12, 1962, in Mexia, Texas, to Frederick and Hazel Johnson. She was the sixth of ten daughters. Laura grew up in Tacoma, Washington, where she attended Stanley Elementary School and Mason Middle School, graduated from Stadium High School, and attended Tacoma Community College. She accepted Christ at an early age at St. John Baptist Church, where she sang in the beginners’ choir and continued developing her vocal abilities as she matured.

Laura worked in the meat department at Albertsons, where she developed a knowledge of different meats and seafood that she willingly shared with her family.

Laura married Avery Collins in Tacoma, Washington, in 2012. They shared the last 14 years together going crabbing, attending concerts, singing karaoke, and spending time with family and friends.

Fun-loving and creative, Laura enjoyed spending time in nature, gardening, and caring for her houseplants. Her green thumb began in childhood while gardening alongside her father, Frederick, affectionately known as “PA Johnson.” She was also a talented jewelry maker and sold her creations at community events. She loved butterflies, dolphins, elephants, and birds, especially her beloved dove of 30 years.

Laura enjoyed brewing her specialty herbal teas for colds and pain, carefully selecting the herbs for each blend. She had a passion for taking pictures at every gathering, often making everyone retake a photo until it was just right. She collected antique trains, wooden branches, and household items, using her creativity to refinish items into beautiful works of art.

Laura loved spending time with family and friends and always made sure everyone felt loved and welcome. She never missed a holiday gathering, birthday celebration, or important milestone. Everyone’s favorite “Titi Jo,” she could often be found holding or spending time with one of her many “babies,” catching up with loved ones and sharing her infectious laugh, or enjoying herself on the dance floor.

Laura had a heart of gold and a special place in her heart for those in need. She took great joy in preparing her renowned soups for the homeless, putting her full effort into every recipe. If it wasn’t something she would enjoy eating herself, she wouldn’t dream of serving it to someone else.

Laura leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Avery Collins; her children, Omar (Erin), Lamonica, Shawn, and Felicia Johnson; and her grandchildren, Zhontae (18), Laila (17), Daesha (16), Essence (14), Lola (12), Laura (11), Valerie (11), Samson (10), Charlene (8), Jordan (8), and Makayla Johnson (6). Her children and grandchildren all reside in Tacoma, Washington.

She is also survived by her sisters: Valerie McDaniel of Tacoma, Washington; Veronica Maxwell of Tacoma, Washington; Constance Trufant (Lloyd) of Tacoma, Washington; Cornelia Altheimer (Michael) of Port Orchard, Washington; Mitzi Hannon (James) of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and Tonya Gore of Tacoma, Washington.

Laura also leaves numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties, and uncles, a large extended family in Washington State and Texas, and many friends to cherish her beautiful memory.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Frederick and Hazel Johnson, her sisters, Dana Hinton (Glenn) of Queens, New York, Christine Johnson and Christina Johnson, and her brothers in law Lloyd Trufant, Grady Maxwell Sr, and Carl McDaniel.