Frances Oehmig Collins departed with grace from this life on November 18, 2025. She joined her Heavenly Father and the souls of many family members and loved ones. Frances leaves behind the legacy of a large family who feel a tremendous loss and sadness with her passing but who are greatly thankful to have shared her long, full and happy life. We have all learned the values of Family, Faith and Resilience from her and are humbled by the lifetime of love and joy she gave us all.
Frances was born January 14, 1925, to Catherine and Edward Oehmig and was the oldest of five children. She attended Missionary Ridge School, Girls Preparatory School ’43 and graduated from Wesleyan College in 1947. At Wesleyan she found her loving husband of fifty-six years, Preston M. Collins in the “date parlor”. She would call the students to let them know their dates had arrived, so she knew exactly who Preston was dating for some time before he wised up and asked her out! She also grew in her love and respect for Wesleyan College and served her alma mater in many ways over the years. She was the President of the Atlanta Alumnae Club and was honored by Wesleyan with a Distinguished Service Award in 1987.
She and Preston moved extensively with his career with Southern Bell Telephone, finally settling in the Atlanta area. She became a member of St. James United Methodist Church which she served in many capacities. She was the first woman to Chair the Administrative Board, President of the UMW, Head of the Wedding Committee, President of her Circle and taught adult Sunday School for many years. She spent 100 happy Summers at “Glen Mary” her family's Summer home on Walden’s Ridge and cherished Sundays spent worshiping at the Little Brown Church.
Frances was preceded in death by her husband, Preston, her two sisters, Catherine Oehmig Stone and Elizabeth Oehmig Field and her two brothers, Edward W. Oehmig, Jr. and Dunbar N. Oehmig.
She is survived by five loving children, Preston M. Collins, Jr (Pamela) of Roanoke VA; Mary Catherine O’Kelley (Ed) of Signal Mountain, Newell M. Collins (Deena) of Murphy NC; and Frances C. Connor (Greg) of Signal Mountain; and her surrogate Son, Ray H. Davis (Darlene) of St. Augustine Florida. She had six Grandchildren, Elizabeth Schenkein, Catherine Fore, Will O’Kelley, Adam Connor, Jennifer Connor, and West Connor in addition to 8 great-grandchildren.
Frances spent her life in service to others; her family, her college, her church and many, many friends along the way. She was constantly heard saying “Now, what can I do for you?” well into her one hundredth year. She never backed away from a challenge and showed each of us what an open heart and positive attitude can do.
Graveside services will be held on Sunday, November 23 at 2:00pm at Green Lawn Cemetery in Roswell Georgia.
In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Wesleyan College, Macon Georgia or Union Chapel on Signal Mountain Tennessee. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Summer, Bonnie and Sonya for their care in her last years.
