Jean Collins passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Nov. 29, 2016, in Tarpon Springs, FL. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother, and infant son. Jean leaves behind her husband of 66 years, Jack G. Collins, of Palm Harbor, FL; two sons, Jim (Sallie) Collins of New Boston, MI and John Collins of Northville, MI; two daughters, Jayne (Rich) Whitaker of Cape Coral, FL and Judy Collins of Raytown, MO. She was Grandma to, and dearly loved, her six grandchildren: Lauren (Chase) Abbott of Parkville, MO; Michael (Holly) Collins of Monroe, MI; Brooke (Brad) Craig of Kansas City, MO; Ben (Jeannie) Collins of Belleville, MI; Patrick (Charlotte) Collins of Canton, MI and John H. Collins of New Boston, MI. She was Great-Grandma to four beautiful children: Maya and Max Abbott, McKaylee Collins, and Caroline Jean Collins. She also leaves behind her brother, Donald (Martha) Smarr, and their family, along with many cousins, nieces and nephews. Jean showed her independent, strong nature when she was only 17, moving across the country to Washington, D.C., taking a secretary job working under a General in the Navy at the Pentagon. After WWII, she returned to Kansas City and found employment at Emery Byrd Department store. While raising her four children, Jean worked at GSA (IRS), Kinder Care day care, and in later years volunteered for 20 years at Belton Research Hospital. She was a former member of Broadway United Methodist Church, where she met many of her lifelong friends. Jean was also a member of CrossRoads United Methodist Church. She loved to travel and was blessed to visit many of the United States, including Alaska and Hawaii, Europe, Mexico, Canada, Italy and Greece. Jean will always be remembered for her kind smile, generous heart, and her love for children, especially for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The family asks that any donations in Jean’s memory be made to the Alzheimer’s Foundation or to any of your favorite local charities. She will be greatly missed. Heaven has certainly gained an angel.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18