Diane N. Collins' Obituary
Diane N. Collins (Martha Diane Collins) 87, Laurel DE- Mrs. Collins passed away peaceably early Tuesday morning from natural causes associated with Alzheimer’s disease at Methodist Manor House, Seaford, DE, where she had been a resident for the past 8 years.
She was born in Memphis, TN on December 11, 1928 to the late Bonnie “Jack” Perkins (Gulfport, MS) and the late William Newsom (D.D.S., Marked Tree, AR). Mrs. Collins attended the public school system in Gulfport, MS and graduated with honors in 1947. She briefly attended Perkinston Junior College before transferring to the University of Southern Mississippi, “Ole Miss”. She graduated in 1952 with honors and a B.S. in psychology, majoring in child psychology.
After marrying her late husband George W. Collins in October 1952, Mrs. Collins then permanently relocated to the Eastern Shore of Maryland, then to Delaware where she taught school as both a full time and substitute teacher in both the Maryland and Delaware public school systems.
The Collins’ were members of the Dagsboro then Frankford communities for approximately 22 years before relocating to Laurel, DE, approximately 30 years ago.
Mrs. Collins is perhaps best remembered as a two time past president of the Delaware chapter of the Federated Women’s Club in which she helped to promote legislation and secure funding for various civic, historic and humanitarian causes.
Mrs. Collins worked as a volunteer at the “Delaware Colony” (formerly the Stockley Hospital for the mentally ill, Georgetown, DE); was a life-long member of the University of Southern Miss. Alumni and her sorority; had over 50 years of continuous service in the Red Cross (MS, MD & DE chapters); was recognized by the Dept. of the Defense’s Air–War College as being a member of “The Supporting Spouses” for officers in the Air Force Reserves. (“The Supporting Spouses” were recognized for their understanding of the sensitive nature of their husbands continued training with the Air-War College regarding such matters as national security and the “cold-war” issues that were prevalent at that time.)
She was a past member of Vienna United Methodist Church, Dagsboro United Methodist Church, Frankford U.M. Church and Laurel ‘Christ’ U.M. Church and briefly attended Mount Pleasant U.M. Church, Laurel, DE. Mr. and Mrs. Collins belonged to the Delmarva Chapter of the “Dance Cotillion” and were members of the former Seaford Golf & Country Club. Mrs. Collins was also known as a longtime advocate for children’s rights & welfare. Over the years she had also served at various other offices and functions with church, civic organizations, etc. Last but not least, she was also a ‘never-failing’ mother and homemaker.
Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her sister Marylyn N. Readman (1976); eldest son Timothy N. Collins (2000); sister-in-law Vera C. Mason (2005); and husband George W. Collins (2010).
She is survived by brother-in-law Samuel Readman Sr., nephew Samuel Readman Jr., niece Peyton Readman (all of Gulfport, MS); brother-in-law, James Mason (Portsmouth, RI); daughter-in-law Robin Collins (Wilmington, DE); granddaughter Megan Glynn Collins (Davenport, FL); son & daughter-in-law Barry W. Collins & Christal A. Collins, grandson Jacob W. Collins and granddaughter Ava E. Collins (all of Rhodesdale, MD).
The family would like to thank all of those that have offered their support and prayers over the past few years while we’ve dealt with Mom’s condition.
Although flowers are appreciated, the family would also greatly appreciate donations to your local chapters of the Alzheimer’s Foundation and/or the Diabetes Foundation.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 noon, Sunday, May 22, 2016 at the Framptom Funeral Home, Federalsburg, MD. A viewing will be held Saturday, May 21, 2016 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service on Sunday. Interment will follow at the Brookview United Methodist Church Cemetery.
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