Sherry Lynn (Goodman) Collins

Sherry Goodman Collins, a woman whose life was a vibrant tapestry woven with threads of art, passion, and an enduring love for her family, passed away peacefully on August 7, 2024, in her home in Dubberly, Louisiana, surrounded by her children.

Sherry was born on May 1, 1940, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, to Clyde Aaron Goodman, Jr., born in Texarkana, Texas, and Aara Horne Goodman, born in Harper, Arkansas. Her early years were spent solely with her mother while her father served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After graduating from C.E. Byrd High School in 1957, she attended McNeese State University in Lake Charles, Louisiana.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 57 years, Lowell Alton Collins, Jr., born in Bradley, Arkansas, and her son, Robert Clark Collins, born in Shreveport, LA.

While her journey was not without its complexities, Sherry's legacy is one that speaks to the profound impact a single individual can have on the world around them.

As a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, Sherry's spirit was deeply rooted in her Southern heritage, a source of immense pride that infused her life with a unique charm and an unwavering sense of identity.

Sherry was also of Native American descent and was a card-carrying member and honored elder of the Louisiana Band of Choctaws.

Her passion extended to a love for horses, a lifelong connection that brought her joy and fulfillment. She was an award-winning barrel racer and Western Pleasure competitor.

At the heart of Sherry's being was an undeniable talent for art. Through her paintings, crafts, and Native American arts, she poured her heart and soul into creating works that radiated beauty, warmth, and a gentle spirit. Her artistic expression was a testament to her deep appreciation for cultural storytelling, the human form, and the landscapes that surrounded her.

Sherry's gift for teaching allowed her to share her artistic passion with countless others. As a Sunday school teacher and an artist in residence for the State of Louisiana as a Native American storyteller, she captivated young minds with her storytelling and ignited their own creative sparks. Her ability to connect with children and nurture their talents was a testament to her generous spirit and her unwavering belief in the power of art to enrich lives.

Her love for her children was fierce and unwavering, and she fought tirelessly to protect them. While her journey as a mother was not without its challenges, her children remained her greatest source of pride and joy.

Sherry is survived by her daughter, Donna Collins MacFarlane, and her husband, Michael Robert MacFarlane, of Glendora, California; her son, Lowell Scott Collins, and his wife, Patricia Lanke Collins, of Dubberly, Louisiana; granddaughters, Rachael Collins Wilson of Dallas, Texas, and Rebecca Ann Collins of Frisco, Texas; and her sister, Jana Goodman Semon of Shreveport, Louisiana.

It was Sherry’s wish to be laid to rest beside her beloved husband in a private burial on August 10, 2024. Services were attended by her children and their spouses.

Her family would like to thank Bristol Hospice of Minden for their dedication in caring for Sherry at the end of her life. Also, many thanks to Chaplain Jeff Smart for his counsel to their Mother at the end of life and for his gracious eulogy at her funeral services.

Sherry Collins leaves behind a legacy that is both beautiful and complicated, a reflection of the rich tapestry of her life. Her memory will live on through her art, the countless lives she touched, and the enduring love of her family. Though she may be gone, her spirit will forever remain a source of inspiration, reminding us all of the power of connecting through storytelling, the arts, and the bonds of family.