Nancy C. Collins

Nancy Collins, 87, died peacefully on March 25, 2018. She was a beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister and friend. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 30, at Memorial Park Cemetery, 1217 Business Loop 70 W, Columbia, MO.

She was born Nancy Carol Carter, November 2, 1931. She was raised in Columbia and was very proud to tell stories of her growing up in her neighborhood on the edge of downtown.

Nancy graduated from Hickman High School and married Don Collins on December 29, 1951. In fact, her dear sister Shirley married Don’s older brother Ivan—making the two both sisters and sisters in law! Don and Nancy had a daughter, Glennda Sue, while Don was stationed in Oceanside, California for basic training for the US Marine Corps. After Don’s time with the Marines ended, the two moved back to Columbia, bringing them close to family and friends again.

Nancy worked throughout her life. She held many interesting short-term jobs while she was a young woman and mother, then settled into a long-term career at Columbia Insurance Company. After retirement, she and Don moved to an 80-acre farm where they raised cattle and loved to sit on their back porch, looking at their cattle and lake.

In her free time, Nancy was incredibly creative and found joy in working with her hands. She loved cooking, ceramics, sewing, and gardening. Anyone who knew her also knew her enthusiasm for reading, card games, slot machines and crossword puzzles. Nancy loved to “go out” and jumped at any opportunity for a trip—whether down the street or across the country. She loved being with her family and friends and was the host of home-cooked Sunday dinners for as long as anyone can remember.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband, Don Collins; her daughter Sue (Collins) Maddox; her sister, Shirley Collins and her two brothers, James and Robert Carter. She is survived by her three grandchildren, Merideth, Mason and Matthew Maddox (who knew her affectionately as "Mema"), and one great-granddaughter, Suzanna (who called her Mema, too).

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to the Sue Maddox Memorial Scholarship, Rock Bridge Senior High School, 4303 S Providence Road, Columbia, Missouri 65203. The scholarship aims to reward students who have overcome adversity to graduate and pursue college.