Carolyn was a professional singer in Illinois. She was introduced to Harvey Collins by the agent for his band. They were married August 30, 1964, in Glenview, Illinois.
Harvey and Carolyn moved to Oklahoma in 1972 following the death of his father.
Carolyn became a real estate agent and then a real estate appraiser. She maintained Certified Appraisers until 2025.
Carolyn is survived by her husband, Harvey L Collins; sister, Judy Bialek, of OKC; and brother-in-law, Jack Collins and his wife May Ellen of Newcastle, OK.
Harvey and Carolyn have four children: Douglas Earl Collins, who preceded Carolyn in death, Deanie Collins of Tamaha, OK, Terrie Collins of OKC; Sheila Marie Thee of OKC, Kelley Lorene Cade and husband Shaun of OKC, and Leigh Anne Cowen and husband Paul of Grove, OK.
Grandchildren and great-grandchildren include: Scott Collins and wife Jennifer of Jones, OK, Chris Sanz and husband Tom of Winchester, England, Conner Collins and wife Reagan of OKC and daughter Selah, Lora Schwartz, son Seth and daughter Reanne of Somerset, Kentucky, TJ Smith of Somerset, Kentucky, Tyler Thee and wife Brittany of Phoenix, Arizona and daughter Layla, Jacob Thee of OKC, Brandon Cade and wife Lauren of Del city, OK and daughter Penny, Courtney Doughty of OKC and children Aubree, Marlee, Preslee, Mercee, Sebastian, Callie and Lane, Brock Cowen and wife Kali of Vancouver, Washington and sons Heath and Eli, Sarah Gonzalez and husband Anthony of Las Vegas, Nevada and son Larkin, Drew Krogstad and husband Brigham of Choctaw, OK, Kyle Cowen of OKC, Carson Avery of OKC.
Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents, Earl Nave and Geraldine Cantu; son, Douglas Collins; granddaughter, Robin Sanders and great-grandson, Shelby Smith.
Carolyn was an avid fan of the NY Yankees and OKC Thunder. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, and orchestrating family gatherings. Her pies and cobblers are legendary.
A graveside service will be held at Mountain Park Cemetery, Mountain Park, Mountain Park, OK 73559, US, on May 12, 2026, at 1:00 pm.
