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Katherine “Katy” Collins returned to her heavenly home on Oct. 18, 2019. Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God ultimately gave her peace. She was born on June 10, 1940 in Tylertown, Miss., to William and Dixie Stogner. She married her loving and devoted husband Kenneth Collins, on Sept. 6, 1958, who preceded her in death on Oct. 19, 2017.

Katy supported her husband in the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army for over 24 years. She lived a full life as a wonderful mother, homemaker and even had an in-home family daycare where she was able to share her love and excitement with children.

She enjoyed preparing meals, most especially over the holidays. The Christmas spirit filled the home with lots of goodies, handmade decorations, decked out Christmas tree and lights galore. Under the tree were special gifts that had been chosen throughout the year starting on Dec. 26 for every member of her immediate and extended family.

For many years, she served at Monroe Street Baptist Church working tirelessly in the nursery, hostess committee, youth committee, taught Sunday school and vacation bible school. She also supervised her husband driving the church van to pick-up children. She sang in the choir and solo special music with her God-given angelic voice.

Katy would delightfully play and was very skilled at many games such as Scrabble, Canasta, Yahtzee and Skip-Bo. She was a fierce competitor and would not just “let” you win, even if it was one of the kids. There was always condolences and “tips” for the losers on how to improve their game even though she would sandbag and make questionable words on occasion. There was always a fresh pot of coffee to be enjoyed by anyone who might happen to stop by while jokes, shared memories, and laughter filled the home.

Katy also loved garage sales. It was the thrill of the hunt and always looking out for something she could not live without that prompted her to be the early bird. She was known to “show up” for preview night before the sale and haggle with her sisters to “work a deal” before they priced their treasures.

Katie was preceded in death by her son, Kenneth “Kenny” Earle Collins Jr.; her parents, William and Dixie Stogner; and nine siblings.

She is survived by her four children and their spouses Pat and Traci Collins, Charlotte and Kevin Stanberry, Brian Collins and Denise Rousey, Robert and Sophia Collins; seven grandchildren, Christa Davis, Danielle Dineen, Kaitlin Collins, Benjamin Stanberry, Priscilla Collins, Brianna Byrd, Jacob Collins; and seven great-grandchildren. All of whom she loved and cared for deeply.

Visitation was Saturday, Oct. 19, at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., and resumed Sunday, Oct. 20, at noon until the service to celebrate her life at 4 p.m. The Rev. Chad Jenkins officiated and interment followed at Ponemah Cemetery.

To view and sign the register book, visit online at www.pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.