Irene was born August 20, 1935 in Tazewell, TN. A graduate from Claiborne County High School and then Lincoln Memorial University, she dedicated her life to teaching and coaching.
Coach Collins taught at Whitehaven Methodist Day School in 1973. Then in 1974, when Memphis Preparatory School opened, she began teaching and coaching. She remained there until 1989. At Prep, she won many District and Regional Titles in volleyball, basketball, and track. In 1984, she coached her team to a TN State Runner-Up in volleyball and in 1985 a State Championship in track. Coach Collins led Memphis Prep to winning The Girls Division of Best of Preps in 1985. After Prep she continued her coaching career at Christian Brothers University from 1989-1994. She was selected as TN Collegiate Athletic Conference Coach of The Year in 1990 and 1992. Her volleyball teams were TCAC Champions in 1989 to 1993 and the 1992 team was also Bi-District 24 Champions.
Even after retirement, Irene stayed involved in growing the sport of volleyball in DeSoto County. She coached club volleyball and played an integral part in high schools starting volleyball in 1994.
As much as sports played a major role in her life, there was so much more. She loved being a wife to Dan, with whom she is now reunited, a mother to Danny and Pam, and a grandmother to Dalton and Travis. Irene was a member of Gracewood Baptist Church, an avid bowler, and a Shriner Lady. She had so many roles through her years and touched so many lives. Irene had a calling and used her God given gifts to fulfill it. She loved and was loved and will be missed.
Irene is preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Edna Davidson; her husband, Daniel Mason Collins, and two siblings, Maude Green and Earl Davidson.
She is survived by her son, Danny Collins (Diane) of Southaven; her daughter, Pam Trainum (Kennie) of Lewisburg; her grandchildren, Dalton and Travis Trainum of Lewisburg, and her brother, Carl Davidson of Monroe, Michigan.
A funeral service will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at 2:00 pm with visitation beginning at 12:00 pm at Brantley Funeral Home, 6875 Cockrum St. Olive Branch, MS 38654. Memorials may be sent to Shriners Hospital for Children.
