Ettrice Collier Southerland

ROCKY MOUNT – Ettrice Collier Southerland, age 91, passed away on Monday, April 14, 2025.  Born in Cumberland County, NC on March 26, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Roberson Lellan Collier and Nellie Victoria McMillan Collier.  She was also preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, George Lee Southerland, Jr.; her sons-in-law, Jeff Taylor, Sr. and Terry Barber; and her siblings, Frances Bunce, Jarvis Collier, Doris Collier, Mack Collier, Joyce Collier, Jearl Collier, and Gary Collier.

Ettrice had a true servant’s heart and faithfully dedicated her life to caring for others.  A long-time member of Calvary Baptist Church, she served alongside her beloved husband, George, in many areas of ministry over the years.  She was active in the women’s prayer group, taught Girls in Action (GAs), and lovingly cared for little ones in the nursery.  She also played a meaningful role in the church’s hospitality ministry—often preparing and delivering soups and meals to those in need.  Her heart for others extended far beyond the church walls. Ettrice was a committed prayer warrior, always finding ways to encourage and uplift those around her.  Even when she couldn’t be physically present, she remained faithfully connected—reaching out with phone calls to pray with and support others.  Ettrice also found joy in simple, meaningful tasks like gardening, tending to her flowers, and shucking corn—finding purpose in both the quiet and the giving moments of life. Her legacy is one of compassion, faithfulness, and unwavering love for both God and people.

Ettrice is survived by her children, Georgia Stickney and husband, David, Pam Barber, Vickie Oakley and husband, Robert, and George Lee Southerland III and his daughter, Collier Southerland; 10 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; her brother, Jerry Samuel Collier and wife, Lois; her sisters, Helen Gray Collier Autry and Marjorie Ann Collier Autry; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Ettrice’s life will be held on Friday, April 18, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Pastor Brandon Dees officiating.  Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park.  Visitation with the family will be from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcome or memorials may be made in Ettrice’s memory, by planting a tree.  Please go to her obit on the website of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and click on the icon, Memorial Tree Planting.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804.  You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.