Barbara Jean Collins

Barbara Jean Collins, a beloved sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and dear friend, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 18th, 2024, at the age of 75.

Born July 11th, 1948, in Gainesville, GA, she grew up in the New Holland Mill area and was a proud East Hall Viking cheerleader. Jean was known for her warm heart, kind spirit, and unwavering faith. She touched the lives of many through her love, generosity, and genuine compassion. Jean had a passion for art and design, reflected in her creative endeavors throughout her life. Her beautiful artwork captured the essence of nature's beauty and brought joy to those who beheld it. She infused life into her art, leaving a lasting impression on all who admired her talent. If you were fortunate enough to visit Jean and Kerry's vacation homes, you would undoubtedly be captivated by one of her masterpieces. Her love story with her husband, Kerry, spanned over 57 years. Together, they built a strong foundation of love, trust, and companionship. Jean's devotion to her husband was unwavering, and their love served as a testament to the power of a lifelong partnership. As a mother, Jean's nurturing nature shone brightly. She poured her heart into raising her children, providing them with love, guidance, and a strong moral compass. She instilled in them the values of kindness, compassion, and the importance of family bonds. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life.

She is survived by her husband, Kerry Collins; her two children, Kelli (Mike) Withrow and Clete (Christi) Collins; six grandchildren, Brandon (Elizabeth) Withrow, Calah (Karson) Coker, Avery (Ashley) Withrow, Aly (Tucker) Cook, Jayden Withrow, and Ryland Collins, and five great-grandchildren, Kohan Coker, Charlotte Withrow, Collins Coker, Sammy Withrow, and Crew Cook. She is also survived by siblings Tara Kersh, Steve Whitfield, Tim Garner, and Tammy Murray, brother and sister-in[1]law Mark and Chris Collins, cousins, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jean's faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, was a cornerstone of her life. She found hope and strength in her relationship with God; her unwavering belief guided her actions and interactions with others. Her faith was a source of comfort and inspiration; she shared it freely with those around her. To know Jean was to know a true follower of Christ. Known for her passion for prayer, she served faithfully on countless prayer teams and ministries. Her devotion was showing God's love to the less fortunate. Her family and friends will deeply miss her, but her legacy of love, kindness, and faith will continue to live on in the hearts of all those she touched. As we say goodbye, let us take heart because we know she is reaping her eternal reward at the feet of her Father in Heaven.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday, January 19, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. Funerals services will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to either a local non-profit, Beyond Dementia Coalition Fund, or Thumbs Up Mission in Jean's honor. The family also wants to extend a special thank you to Jessica McFadden with Caritas Hospice Care.

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements. For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com

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