Jean Witherspoon Collins

She graduated from Henderson High School, attended secretarial school, and built a long and respected career in accounting, spanning banking, education, and private businesses, before retiring in 2018.

In 1995, Jean married Richard A. Collins, and together they shared 30 years of love, laughter, and adventures. She will be remembered for her generosity and southern hospitality. Jean had a gift for making people feel important and loved. A trusted listener, advisor, and confidante, she was genuinely excited to celebrate the accomplishments of others. With her playful humor and unexpected wit, she could lighten any mood with a perfectly timed quip. She epitomized perseverance and was relentless in her fight for life.

Jean delighted in life’s simple joys—planning family gatherings, watching loved ones open gifts, catching up on your day, seeing the dog with a new toy, or watching The Waltons. She loved taking day trips with her husband, often with a ferry ride and a carefully packed picnic basket. She also enjoyed the mountains, birthdays, one-on-one time with family and friends, and games like Rummikub and Phase 10. Above all, she was happiest when those around her were happy.


She is survived by her husband, Richard A. Collins; children, Kim Brame McGimsey (Jim), Richard A. Collins, Jr. (Laurie), Michael S. Collins (Diane), and Christy C. Huss (Darryl); and grandchildren, Isabelle McGimsey, Kyle McGimsey (Sarah), Amanda Phillips (Austin), Ashley Buchanan, Alex Strom, Zakar Campbell, and Hannah Strom.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William C. and Mary Emma Witherspoon, and her sister, Mary Ann Land.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, October 5th, at 2:00 p.m. in the courtyard at Robinwood apartment community, 84 Hanor Lane, Wendell, N.C. 27591.

In place of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or The Salvation Army. Or, in Jean’s honor, ask someone about their day and truly listen.

The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice and Visiting Angels for their compassionate care.