Betty Jean Collins

Born in 1918 to Roxie and Rolla Willett, Betty Jean and her younger sister, Neva, enjoyed the many benefits of growing up in a progressive family in Colville, Washington. Even with the strong WSU Cougar influences, when it came to choosing her college she was a UW Husky all the way. During her college years, Betty Jean pledged to the Alpha Delta Pi sorority but spent the majority of her time in the science labs, graduating in 1941 with a BS degree in bacteriology and a Phi Beta Kappa member. After graduation she accepted a position with the Washington State Health Lab located in the Smith Tower where she worked for about 7 years.

Betty Jean met the love of her life, Willis (Bill) Collins, at a USO dance in Seattle and they were married in 1943 while Bill was on leave from the Army Air Corp. Following his discharge in 1945, the couple continued to live and work in Seattle, but nurtured a dream of owning their own business in a small town in Washington or Oregon. An opportunity became available in Mount Vernon and in 1948 Betty Jean and Bill began a successful business career as proprietors of Collins Office Supply and quickly became active community members. With skills honed as a teenager working in her father’s auto business, and later as a scientist, Betty Jean was a natural in the store serving her customers, training staff, and handling both inventory and bookkeeping duties. In 1952, Betty Jean and Bill welcomed their son, Kevin, into their family, and many of the following years were spent eagerly supporting Kevin in his multiple activities and hobbies.

Outside of work and family, Betty Jean engaged in women’s education, healthcare, and community through her participation in the local PEO chapter, Seattle Childrens’ Orthopedic Guild, and Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church Shipmates. She also discovered the joy of needlepoint and attended several conferences and classes.

Betty Jean was preceded in death by her parents, sister, son, and husband. She is survived by her daughter-in-law, Joan Collins, granddaughters, Meredith and Cheryl Collins, nephew James Craig, and niece Jeanie Batty.

The family encourages you to share your memories of Betty Jean with us at her celebration of life at 1:30pm on Saturday, January 31st, at the First United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests remembrances be given to a charity of your choice, PEO (www.peointernational.org), or Seattle Children’s Hospital (www.seattlechildrens.org).