Helen M. Herman

Notes:

ELIZABETHTON — Helen M. Collins, age 75, 404 Daytona Place, Elizabethton, died Wednesday, May 21, 2008, at her residence following a short illness.

She was a Carter County native, born to the late Alton and Maude Lyons Herman. Mrs. Collins was a graduate of Unaka High School and attended Carson-Newman College. She was an avid reader and avid Cyclones, Bulldogs and UT fan.

Mrs. Collins was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Elizabethton, where she served as elder and Sunday School teacher. She had worked at the Elizabethton Star and also wrote a column for the newspaper titled "Images & Echoes" and the Carter County Housing Authority.

Mrs. Collins had been the executive director of Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce. She was on the board of the Elizabethton/Carter County Public Library and the Community Arts Council of Elizabethton. Mrs. Collins greatly loved Elizabethton and Carter County and was a friend and counselor to anyone in need.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: Jerry Collins; one son: Leslie Collins; and two brothers.

Survivors include two daughters and one son-in-law: Audrey Collins and Raymond Perry, Kelly Collins, all of Elizabethton; two sons and daughters-in-law: Terry and Pamela Collins, Greenville, SC; Kevin and Tammy Collins, Elizabethton; four grandchildren: Clay Collins and wife, Faith, Curtis Collins, Amber Collins, Adam Collins; one great-grandson: J.D. Perry; two brothers: Gene Herman, Larry Herman; one sister: Irene Dearden; and all the members of the Collins Clan. Several nieces, nephews and her special friends, Geraldine Vandeventer and Debbie Merritt Jones, also survive.

The funeral service for Mrs. Collins will be conducted at 7 p.m. Saturday, May 24, at First Presbyterian Church with Rev. John Shuck and Dr. John Martin officiating. Music will be under the direction of Loretta Bowers, Debbie Gouge and David Arney. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Saturday in the church prior to the service.

Friends may also call at the residence (404 Daytona Place, Elizabethton) at any time.

The graveside service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 25, in Happy Valley Memorial Park. Everyone is welcome to meet the family at 1:15 p.m. Sunday to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

Helen married Jerry Collins about 1953 in Carter County, , , Tennessee. Jerry (son of Eston C. Collins and Maxine C. "Maxie" Carrier) was born about 1934 in Carter County, , , Tennessee; died before 2003. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]