Obituary for Mary Collins
Mary Elizabeth Collins, age 81 years, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away peacefully Monday, November 16, 2020 surrounded by family at her home.
She was born on July 7, 1939 in Morgan County Mo., the daughter of Aubrey and Leatha (Brooks) Peoples. She was married on June 27, 1959 in Jefferson City, Mo. to her high school sweetheart Mitchel Collins who survives at home.
A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Mary was a 1957 graduate of California High School.
Mary was employed in various positions with the State of Missouri for over 37 years and retired in 1996 as an executive secretary with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Mary loved to keep her mind and hands busy. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and tackling crossword puzzles, was skilled with a sewing needle and cooking for the family. She had a special place in her heart for her granddaughters, whether it was playing dolls with or attending any activities to support them. She cherished time with her family and loved them unconditionally. Mary always put them first in life: attending every event and more importantly, she was there during any struggle to help lift spirits. Many memories include her family and friends - cooking and hosting holiday gatherings and traveling to Boston or the Grand Canyon. Mary was cherished by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her loving family.
Survivors include: her loving husband of 61 years, Mitchel Collins of Jefferson City, Mo.; daughter, Lori Knaebel (Mike) of Wardsville, Mo.; sister, Donna Daulton (Dan) of Versailles, Mo.; brother, Gene Peoples of Bakersfield, Ca.; two granddaughters, Mikayla Welch (Ben) of Joplin, Mo. and Morgan Knaebel of Columbia, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marjorie Huffman; brother, Jimmy Peoples; brother-in-law, R.J. Collins; and sister-in-law, Lois Collins.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Freeman Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel with Reverend Bart Larson officiating. Graveside services will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
The general public is welcome to attend her services while following social distancing guidelines. Please stay six feet apart and avoid close contact. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear a personal mask.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Compassus.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.
She was born on July 7, 1939 in Morgan County Mo., the daughter of Aubrey and Leatha (Brooks) Peoples. She was married on June 27, 1959 in Jefferson City, Mo. to her high school sweetheart Mitchel Collins who survives at home.
A lifelong resident of the Central Missouri area, Mary was a 1957 graduate of California High School.
Mary was employed in various positions with the State of Missouri for over 37 years and retired in 1996 as an executive secretary with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.
Mary loved to keep her mind and hands busy. In her free time, she enjoyed reading and tackling crossword puzzles, was skilled with a sewing needle and cooking for the family. She had a special place in her heart for her granddaughters, whether it was playing dolls with or attending any activities to support them. She cherished time with her family and loved them unconditionally. Mary always put them first in life: attending every event and more importantly, she was there during any struggle to help lift spirits. Many memories include her family and friends - cooking and hosting holiday gatherings and traveling to Boston or the Grand Canyon. Mary was cherished by all who knew her and will be greatly missed by her loving family.
Survivors include: her loving husband of 61 years, Mitchel Collins of Jefferson City, Mo.; daughter, Lori Knaebel (Mike) of Wardsville, Mo.; sister, Donna Daulton (Dan) of Versailles, Mo.; brother, Gene Peoples of Bakersfield, Ca.; two granddaughters, Mikayla Welch (Ben) of Joplin, Mo. and Morgan Knaebel of Columbia, Mo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Marjorie Huffman; brother, Jimmy Peoples; brother-in-law, R.J. Collins; and sister-in-law, Lois Collins.
Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Sunday, November 22, 2020 at Freeman Mortuary. Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. in the Freeman Chapel with Reverend Bart Larson officiating. Graveside services will follow at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.
The general public is welcome to attend her services while following social distancing guidelines. Please stay six feet apart and avoid close contact. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to wear a personal mask.
A webcast of the funeral service will begin at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, for friends that are not able to attend by going to her memorial page on Freeman Mortuary’s website. Friends may mail sympathy cards to the funeral home or leave condolences online to be given to her family.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice Compassus.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Freeman Mortuary.