Alice Belle Collins

Alice Belle (Stachey) Collins, beloved mother and grandmother, passed away from this life and gained her Heavenly reward Saturday, November 19, 2016 in Fort Smith. She was born in Sims, Arkansas on August 16, 1928 to Monroe and Hester Stachey. A graduate of Mt. Ida High School in 1946, she was also a charter member of Fairview Church of God in Hot Springs, Arkansas.

In 1955, she married the love of her life, W. Wesley Collins from Fort Smith. Mr. Collins answered the call of the ministry and pastored churches in Neodesha, Kansas and Wayland, Iowa where Alice worked steadfastly by his side. They were as one for 47 years until his passing in 2002.

She is also predeceased by her parents; her two brothers, William A. Stachey and Audell M. Stachey; brother-in-law, Victor D. Rico; and sister-in-law, Billie Jean Stachey.

She is survived by a sister, Avadel “Tommie” Rico; and sister-in-law, Edna Stachey of Hot Springs; brother-in-law, Richard T. Collins and wife Vickey of Belle Plaine, Kansas; son, Charles M. “Chuck” Collins and wife Rhonda D. Collins of Fort Smith, son, Edward D. Collins of Clarksville; grandson, Evan W. Collins of Van Buren; Rhonda’s brother, Robert A. Witt; and many loving nieces, nephews and friends in Kansas and Arkansas.

She was a long time member of the Armour Avenue First Free Will Baptist Church in Fort Smith and leaves behind many loved and cherished members of her church family.

Visitation will be Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, from 5:30 until 7:00 pm. Funerals service will be Wednesday, November 23rd at 1:00 pm at Armour Avenue First Free Will Baptist Church, 4001 Armour Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas, with her pastor, Rev. Ernie Imler officiating, all under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home, Fort Smith, AR. She will then be taken to be laid to rest back at her husband’s side at Steep Hill Cemetery in Fort Smith.

Pallbearers will be Evan Collins, Jeff Collins, Tim Stachey, Keith Everett, Harlan McDow and Gary O’Kelly

To all who were fortunate enough to know Ms. Alice in her life, she was our example of an angel here on earth. She now awaits us in glory.

To place online tributes, visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com