Mrs. Norma Jean (Abney) Collins

Norma graduated from Burnett High School in Terrell, Texas in 1954 and from the School of Vocational Nursing in 1955. During her 42-year nursing career, Norma worked at Parkland, St. Paul, and Baylor Hospitals, as well as a private duty nurse providing care for many homebound patients, including several Dallas dignitaries. She loved to share her nurturing gifts and care for others.

In 1955, Norma married Eddie Gage, and to this union two children were born, Carol and Karen Gage. She later married her high-school sweetheart, Robert Collins, and to this union one child was born, Robbie Collins.

Norma loved the Lord and accepted Christ at a very early age and found comfort and peace within Mount Moriah and Munger Avenue Baptist churches. She joined the Unity Church of Dallas in 1982 and upon her retirement from nursing she served as a Prayer Chaplain, providing comforting words of prayer for those in need and often during Sunday services.

She was also an active member of the Carrollton chapter of REDHatters Society, and enjoyed socializing, networking, and sharing stories along with bits of wisdom with her fellow colleagues.

Above all else, Norma pursued life in a most excellent way – a loving mother, confidant, and friend. She loved art, reading and music and enjoyed traveling with her sisters and daughters.

Norma departed this life on February 22, 2021 surrounded by her daughters. She is preceded in death by her parents, two brothers Chauncey Abney, Jr., and Norman Abney, and three sisters, Anna Marie Thomas, Minnie Guidry, and Evelyn Woods. She leaves to cherish her memories: husband, Robert Collins, and three daughters, Carol Collier, Karen Gage and Robbie Collins, as well as her brother, Maurice Abney. She is also survived by two goddaughters, Tonya Lofton, and Bridget Wilson, four grand-godchildren, Cortne’ Baker, Byron Wilson, Jr., Phillip Jones, Jr. and Felise Jones, along with two grand-dogs, Cooper, and Sydney. Norma was also dearly loved by a host of nieces and nephews, as well as relatives and friends.