Mary Elizabeth Collins

Our beloved Mary Elizabeth Butler Collins, 83, died September 16, 2018 at her home at Creekside community in Huntsville Texas. Mary was born July 12, 1935 in Memorial Hospital in downtown Houston, and proudly called herself a native Houstonian. She graduated from Lamar High School in 1953 and attended Baylor University in Waco, where she earned a degree in education. After Baylor, Mary became a fourth grade teacher at Harvard Elementary. She was introduced by a friend to Dr. George Collins- they wed in December 1961 and settled in Pasadena TX. She and George were faithful members of South Main Baptist Church, where Mary sang soprano in the choir, and they developed lifelong friends. In 2012, she fell in her kitchen and sustained a serious injury that left her wheelchair bound for the rest of her life. She lived for the last six years in Huntsville, TX and was embraced by the loving community at University Heights Baptist Church where her son-in-law is the pastor. She was a beloved member of the Lexington Center Community, and later made her home at Creekside Retirement Community in Huntsville. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Rachel and Bryan Butler, her brothers Max Butler and William Butler. Mamaw’s legacy is her love for her family, her lusty laugh, her epic birthday and holiday celebrations filled with delicious food, and her Thanksgiving dressing. Missing her, but cherishing a lifetime of memories, are her loving husband, George Collins, of Huntsville, her daughters, Elaine Collins Griffin and her husband John Griffin, of Greensboro NC, and Sarah Collins Rogers and her husband Richard Rogers of Huntsville. She dearly loved her grandchildren, Bryan and Kelly Griffin, and Libby and Luke Rogers, and his wife, Amanda Thorndike Rogers and her niece and nephews, neighbors and friends. Mary also treasured the love and friendship she received from her dedicated caregivers, Catherine Haywood and Mickey Rogers of Huntsville, TX. Funeral services are planned for Friday, September 21, 2018 at 11 am, University Heights Baptist Church, 2400 Sycamore Ave, Huntsville TX. Visitation will precede the service at 10 am in the church foyer. Graveside service and burial are scheduled for 3:00 pm at Garden of Memories Memorial Park, 5205 South First, Lufkin, TX. Memorial contributions may be made to University Heights Baptist Church of Huntsville, TX for the development of future Christian leaders and church ministers.

Mary Elizabeth Collins

July 12, 1935 - September 16, 2018