Susan Collins

Susan was born in 1948, in Washington, D.C. to Lt. General Ralph and Martha Swofford. Being part of a military family, much of Susie’s youth was spent in different cities, including Wright-Patterson Base in Ohio, and her favorite, Naples, Italy, before settling in Montgomery, Alabama.

She graduated with a teaching degree from Troy University, where she met her husband, Freddie Collins.

They were married and after making several moves and memories in Alabama, Tennessee, and Florida, they settled in Kingwood, TX, where they raised their two children, Kimberly and Jackie. She was always involved in her community, active in the PTA, NCL, and spent a lot of her time shuttling her kids to and from various sports and activities as they grew up. After her children had grown, she began teaching 6th grade Language Arts at Creekwood Middle School, she got involved in Mothers against Cancer, and she and Freddie became members of Strawbridge United Methodist Church. After retirement, she fell in love with golf, and she and Freddie spent a lot of time sharing that with one another.

Susie had a vibrant and magnetic personality that drew people to her. She had a smile that would light up a room and a contagious laugh that revealed the joy that she so lovingly shared with everyone she met. Her home felt like home to all. It was a special place for everyone that came by.

Susie leaves behind her loving husband of 51 years, Freddie, her sister Annie, her daughter Kimberly, son-in-law, Tim, son Jackie, daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and her 6 grandchildren who affectionately referred to her as Bopo.

A celebration of her life will be held at Strawbridge United Methodist Church, in Kingwood, TX, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 25th, 2026. A reception will immediately follow the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Susie’s name to the ALS Association.