of Conway, AR
June 8, 1934 - October 31, 2014
Barbara Jean Collins of Conway died peacefully in her home surrounded by her family on October 31, 2014. She was born June 8th, 1934, in Senath, Missouri, to the late Gertie (McGrew) Battles and Edward Battles.
She was also preceded in death by one sister and two brothers. She is survived by the love of her life of 61 years, Richard Arlen Collins; five children: Marcie Garis (Racy), Laura Bright, Rick Collins, Jr., Peggy Fletcher (Dick), and Nancy Murphy; eight grandchildren: Nicole, Tara, Kyle, Savannah, Maddie, Katherine, Sarah and Jackson; and three great-grandchildren: Victoria, Faith and Kylie. Barbara is also survived by two aunts and several nieces and nephews.
Barbara was a member of First United Methodist Church and attended Southern Illinois University. She worked briefly as a legal assistant and as an Abstractor at Ott Land Title Company. She served all of her years with her family as a wonderful mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was called Mom by many of her children¹s friends too. Other than the love for her family, her other great loves were for books, crossword puzzles and the bridge table. She loved to spend her extra time with her cards and her bridge friends and they would all agree she was quite competitive! She was a gracious and supportive spouse as Richard pursued his PhD, raising her family in various towns across the mid-south, such as Ocean Springs, Miss.; Hattiesburg, Miss.; Carbondale, Ill., and ultimately making the decision to settle in Conway.
Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 2nd, 2014, at Roller-McNutt Funeral Home. The Celebration of Her Life Service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, November 3rd, 2014, at First United Methodist Church.
Donations may be made to the Conway Cancer Center.
I am so sorry for your loss. May God keep you in His care.
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
MARCI AND FAMILY: So sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers. God bless you all.
Dear Uncle Richard and family, I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of aunt Barbara. I do have sweet childhood memories of her. She was a kind, loving, special lady. And what a beautiful love story the two of you had (61 years!) May all the memories give you comfort at this sad time. Love to all, Beverly
To Mr.Collins and Family: It was an honor to take care of Barbara the last few years. She was a beautiful person and we know she has a wonderful family to carry on her legacy.
Cathy Pickett
Marci and family;
You are in my thoughts...May God Bless!!!
Marcie, Laura - so sorry for the loss of your beautiful mother - my prayers go out to your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all!
Our prayers and thoughts are with your family.
Marci: Sorry for your loss, You will be in my thoughts and prayers during this time. Ann Webb
We are so sorry for your loss. Barbara was a wonderful lady.
I am sad and mourning the passing of Aunt Barbara. I am also rejoicing and celebrating the life that she gave and shared with all those who loved and were loved by her. There will never be another like her yet she lives on in the lives of all those who knew her. God bless and keep you Barbara.
Prayers for the family
I'm so sorry for your loss. God be with you--Nancy
Mr. Collins, I haven't seen you since you taught at Senath High School where you and Barbara met. I'm so happy that God richly blessed you with 61 years of marriage. God bless you and guide you as you finish this life's journey and meet your Barbara once again.
Marcie and family,
So sorry to hear about your mother. Even thru their sickness, we are never ready to give a love one up. Praying for you and your family! May God put his loving arms around you during this time.
I am praying for all of you kids and Richard. May you have strength for the days ahead of you. I have lots of good memories of Barbara back in the days.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. May God give you strength for the days ahead and hold on the the wonderful memories you have of your mother and grandmother.
We are so sorry for the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother.
My deepest condolences to the Collins family, may you find comfort knowing that Barbara is in God's memory and his promise in Isaiah 25:8 to soon cease all death and suffering.
My prayers go out to your family in the loss of your wife/Mother.
Melissa Hight
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Thinking of you all.
Romans 8:28
My deepest heartfelt sympathy to all the family. Seeing her sweet picture brought back many memories of our earliest happy days in Conway.
Prayers for your family......