A resident of New Bern, North Carolina, Elsie was a hard-working and honest woman who dedicated her life to her family and friends. She had a profound love for gardening, which brought her immense joy. Her skill in cooking and baking was well-known, and she delighted in hosting Friday night gatherings, where friends and family would enjoy her homemade popcorn and cake. Elsie's love for the Lord was evident in her daily life. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
Leaving behind to honor and cherish Elsie's life, memories, and legacy are her caring and loving children, Frances Bell (Kenneth), Edward Collins (Barbara), Dalton Collins (Becky), and Brenda Washburn (Joey); grandchildren, Wayne Bell (Angela), Beth Scott (Joe), Mark Collins, Amber Purifoy (Kevin), Sarah Moore (Adam), Christina Crain (Will), and Melissa Senn (Jason); great-grandchildren, McKenzie Bell, Mason Bell, Andrew Scott (Treasure), Allison Scott, Aubrey Collins, Olivia Collins, Jackson Purifoy, Lucy Moore, Matthew Crain, Makayla Senn, Caleb Senn, and Maci Senn; sister, Frances Thomas; and many loving family members and close friends.
Elsie is preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Edgar Collins, and brother, Elton White.
The family will receive visitors from 1:00-2:00 pm on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at Cotten Funeral Home. A celebration of Elsie's life will begin at 2:00 pm. Following the service, Elsie will be laid to rest beside her husband at Greenleaf Memorial Park.
Cotten Funeral Home is honored to serve the family and friends of Elsie Mae Collins.
