of Conway, AR
February 7, 1959 - February 2, 2017
Sheryl Lynn Barnard Collins, of Conway Arkansas was born on February 7, 1959 to pastor J.E. Barnard and the late Marie Barnard. She kept her faith in God and endured until the end. She won her long battle and even after struggling for many years she never allowed her health challenges to get her down. She passed away very peacefully at home surrounded by her family on February 2, 2017.
Sheryl was a person that loved life to the fullest but always kept eternity in view. She was a devout and totally committed Christian and made her preparations to meet God starting at a very early age. She was just a little girl when she repented of her sins and God filled her with the Holy Ghost while sitting on the piano bench in church. God gave her such a wonderful experience by filling her with His Spirit that it stuck with her and she never looked back. She followed on to know the Lord and many years later as a young married woman felt her need to get baptized in water in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of her sins. Over the years her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ deepened and grew richer to her. She believed strongly in the oneness of God, water baptism in Jesus name, and being filled with God's Spirit but refused to argue. She believed in trusting in and having faith in God and living so God could use her. She believed strongly that after she passed away that she would lay asleep resting in peace in the grave awaiting the day when she hears the Lord Jesus call her name at which time she and all those that live godly shall come forth from their graves to meet the Lord in the air. She chose to love everybody and always looked for the good in people. She was concerned about the needs of all those she met and did her best to help in any way she could. The Lord used her in many ways through her life. She was a friend to any that needed a friend and a really good listener. People called her from all over and she would listen to their needs and problems. She always had a word of encouragement and was a blessing to all that came in contact with her. In later years, she could not get out and go by herself like she would have liked so she turned to Facebook and continued to reach out to people with the love of God. She had nearly a thousand friends on Facebook and she personally knew every one of them.
She was a tremendous piano player and was playing for the church by the time she was nine years old. She taught a number of other people to play as well. As a young woman, she travelled across the state and nation with the Starkey Family, a southern gospel singing group, playing the piano for them. She was a graduate of the Vilonia High School class of 1977. After graduating from Ozark Bible College in Neosho, Missouri she taught the young people's Sunday school class and was the youth leader at the Full Gospel Pentecostal Church in Vilonia where she was raised.
She was a tremendous cook and authored two cookbooks, numerous religious articles and singing tapes through the years. After college, she became a Tupperware dealer and worked up to being a manager. She worked high enough up to qualify for a company car. When one of her fellow managers was in a tremendous car crash, the company turned her group over to Sheryl and she became one of only a very few people to ever manage two Tupperware teams at the same time.
In 1985 she met the love of her life and she gladly forfeited her promising career to be his helpmate and partner for the rest of her life. On March 14, 1986, she married the young evangelist, "Bowie" Dale Collins from Conway where they have lived ever since. In the early years of their marriage and ministry they travelled a several state area. He did the preaching and they sang together and she played the piano. By the time her life on earth ended she and her husband had travelled to 39 states, Old Mexico and Canada. Over the years, the Lord used them together to start a Christian school in which she taught a number of students to read and write including her own children. Together, they founded a youth camp and camp ground. She was a tremendous organizer and was always in charge of preparing the meals to feed all the people that attended their camps and meetings through the years. During the years that they held their meetings people came from nearly twenty states and "momma Sheryl", as she became affectionally known as, was an outstanding host to them all. She loved young people and invested her life in young people's lives striving to help them have a better future.
In 1994, her husband started Mount Zion Deeper Life Fellowship and she was right there by his side being a founding and faithful member until her death. She was regarded by many as an extraordinary human being that lived and practiced what she believed in her everyday life. She loved "old time religion" and was a remarkable example of modesty in the way she dressed and conducted her life. Because of the vast number of books, Bibles, tapes, cds, and literature that they distributed all over the world only time and eternity will reveal the full extent of the number of lives that have been touched by God in part because she allowed God to use her.
Early on, together they founded Dale Collins and Son Roofing and God blessed it to what it has become today. Although she was confined to a wheel chair due to arthritis for over twenty years she continued to be the office manager running the office for both the business and ministry up until last year. She played a very vital role in helping homeowners get their roofs repaired or to get a whole new roof. She leaves behind a joint legacy of over eight thousand satisfied customers. She had a determination stronger than a rock and refused to lay down and quit. She continued to fight, wearing a smile until the very end.
She loved her family dearly and spent much time praying for them. She homeschooled her three children and put all she had into them and today the fruit of her labor shows. Her favorite Bible verse was 3 John 1:4, "I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth". This was her heart's desire until the end. One of the happiest times in her life was when she became "Mamaw".Her eight grandchildren became the highlight of her life toward the end and she focused on them. She held on to see and hold the last grandbaby that was born just four days before she died.
She is survived by her husband of 30 years, Dale Collins; their son, Matthew "Matt" Collins, his wife Kayla, and their children Matthew Storm, Nehemiah Mathias, Abigail Addison and Naomi Jubilee; their daughter Sarah Collins Gardner and her son Jesse Josiah; their daughter Rebekah Collins Goulet, her husband William, and their children Isaac Allen, Luke Nathaniel and Elisabeth Rose. Her grandchildren added much joy to her life.
She is also survived by her father, Pastor J.E. Barnard of Vilonia; sisters Sandra and husband John Harris, Patsy and husband JB Love,
Shari and husband Levi Kinman, and Mistie and husband Melvin Pickle and many nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins that she loved dearly.
Visitation for Sheryl Collins will be Monday night, February 6th, 2017 in the chapel at Roller McNutt Funeral Home located at 801 8th Avenue in Conway Arkansas.
A special celebration of Sheryls life will be held on her birthday, Tuesday, February 7th , 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at the Northside Apostolic Church located at 132 Hwy 89 North in Mayflower Arkansas.
She will be laid to rest in the Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway Arkansas following the celebration service. Pastor David Harrison, Pastor Keith Morris and Bishop Dale Collins will be officiating.
Family, friends and out of town guest will meet to visit and eat following the burial at Mount Zion Deeper Life Fellowship at 3095 Dave Ward Drive in Conway Arkansas. Those wishing to bring food may drop it off at the Mt Zion church from 11:00 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. or after the service.
In lieu of flowers, those interested may make a donation in Sheryl's memory to the Mount Zion Media ministry to help fund getting Sheryl's music out to the world and her other favorite projects.
Serving as Pallbearers will be Matt Collins, William Goulet, Ervin Collins, John Harris, Jr., Armando Palacios, Jr., and Jim Dorsey
Honorary Pallbearers will be JE Barnard, Joe Goss, and Calvin Stone
Mount Zion Media Ministry P.O. Box 7, Conway, AR 72033.
Sign Guestbook
35 Condolence(s)
Gail & Linda Ussery
Friday, February 10, 2017
Dale, and all the family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I hadn't known Sheryl long, but could tell what a kind and caring person she was. I wish I had known her longer, for I know that she would have been a great friend.
Ricky West
Friday, February 10, 2017
“I want so much to help you and be there for you. Yet I know nothing can fix this heartache. Please know that you are not alone. You are continually in my thoughts and prayers. I want to help in any way I can.”
Ricky West
Dan/Cindy Newberry
Wednesday, February 8, 2017
So sorry to hear of your loss.
May the Good Lord wrap you in his loving arms.
Jean bishears
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Sheryl is such a excellent example of purity and devotion. May all women endeavor to do likewise. Thankful for her life's testimony. Praying for all the family.
Weldon & Kacy Curran
Monday, February 6, 2017
Your church family was so kind to make room at your Thanksgiving table when we were visiting our son in 2015. I remember Sheryl's warm, beautiful smile.
Our condolences and prayers are with your family at this time. May the Lord lighten your load and lift your hearts.
The Currans
Susan
Monday, February 6, 2017
I'm sorry for yals lose Sheryl was an amazing woman. I'm praying for the family.
Sherry Williams Nash & family
Sunday, February 5, 2017
May our heavenly Father wrap his arms around each of you and bring comfort that only he can give. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Tara collins
Sunday, February 5, 2017
She was a great aunt and I loved hearing her sing songs in church!
Theresa Kincaid
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Sheryl wS a wonderful person. A great friend to many. I love you Sheryl i will join you in heaven one day. Xoxo. She is a cousin i always looked up to. And when i needed prayer she was the first one I told. JE, Sandra, Mistie, and Shari. We must get together soon. Love you all
Ervin and Regina Collins
Saturday, February 4, 2017
SHERYL SURE LEFT HER MARK ON EVERYONE WHO KNEW HER.
Mary Barnard
Saturday, February 4, 2017
I will always remember Sheryl's sweet smile. I don't remember ever seeing her without her sweet smile. I loved her very much.
Adkins
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Our prayers and love for the family at this time of loss. She was a sweet and humble person that loved God and will bask in her longed for place in Heaven. She is one lady that left her mark on everyone that she met. May God give you strength and comfort at this time.
Love,
Steve and Rhonda Adkins
Jay River
Saturday, February 4, 2017
We are sorry to hear about your loss. Sickness has robbed us of our loved ones resulting in their death. May these scriptures bring you all comfort. Isaiah 33:24 promises ,"And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error." When Jesus was on earth he healed the sick and raised the dead. At John 11:25 "Jesus said to her: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who exercises faith in me, even though he dies, will come to life." What a wonderful hope we can look forward to and may God strengthened you in the days ahead.
JR
Melodie
Saturday, February 4, 2017
Sheryl and I attended high school together. Her faith was always an inspiration and blessing. Sheryl's true friendship, contagious smile, and Godly life will always be with us. May God's perfect rest be with her and His comfort be with her loved ones at this time.
Crystal Heiskell
Saturday, February 4, 2017
My condolences to the family. I had many good times with Sheryl during our time together at Bible school. She was a wonderful woman who loved the Lord with all her heart!
Rikki Love
Friday, February 3, 2017
We love you Aunt Sheryl! You will be truly missed but our memories of you are forever in our heart.
Ronnie Curtis
Friday, February 3, 2017
Donnie & Rita Starkey
Friday, February 3, 2017
Sheryl sang with our family several years & was loved by all who met her. Prayers for her family...
Floy Harris Johnston
Friday, February 3, 2017
With deepest sympathy
Lynn Plemmons
Friday, February 3, 2017
Deepest condolences to your family. The Lord is with you.
Shari Kinman
Friday, February 3, 2017
Heaven gained a beautiful angel. I lost an Awesome sister. My tears flow like a river, my heart breaks into. Time can never fill the void that will be in my heart forever. Sheryl I miss you already.😢
Vicky Romine
Friday, February 3, 2017
Prayers for the Family . Dale for loosing his Wife. Their Children and Grandchildren for a terrible loss. Brother Barnard for loosing a child. My heart is broken for them .
John pettus
Friday, February 3, 2017
It is hard to lose someone, and it is okay to grieve. May the Lord Jesus bless you and keep you, may His face shine upon you during this time of loss and grief
Carolyn (Hall) Burnam
Friday, February 3, 2017
Deepest sympathies and prayers to all of the family, friends, and Church family. Sheryl was a precious, sweet, amazing friend and Sister in Christ!! My heart breaks at our loss, and rejoices at heaven's gain. May God lift each of you up and comfort you in your time of sorrow.
"He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds."
Psalm 147:3
"Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted." Matthew 5:4
Richard & Elizabeth Englert
Friday, February 3, 2017
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Psalm 116:15
Richard & Elizabeth Englert
Friday, February 3, 2017
"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints."Psalm 116:15
Butch & Debbie Renfroe
Friday, February 3, 2017
Our prayers are with you. May the grace and piece of God surround you all.
Kathy Cheney-Egan
Friday, February 3, 2017
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Sheryl was my best friend in high school. I will cherish those memories. Grace and peace to you all.
Rick McMahan
Friday, February 3, 2017
I have known her for for around 22 years she was a wonderful person and a good Christian. I now have one more person in heaven to look forward to seeing again one day
Dana & Mark Lamberson
Friday, February 3, 2017
Sheryl you will be missed dearly by so many. Love you my sweet cousin.
DARRELL
Friday, February 3, 2017
Our Thoughts and Prayers are with
you during this difficult time
Toni Reeves
Friday, February 3, 2017
I wish I could have gotten to know this amazing lady better. My prayers for her family.
Susan Kitchens
Friday, February 3, 2017
I'm so very sorry for the lose of your sweet Sheryl! She was an amazing woman with lots of love for her family! I'm praying for your family! Love yal!
The Bolands
Friday, February 3, 2017
Our sincerest condolences to the Collins family. Looking forward to meeting Sister Collins in that great gettin' up morning!
Sarah Collins Gardner
Friday, February 3, 2017
I love you miss you mom! You were the best!