Barbara Benko "BB" Collins

Barbara Benko "BB" Collins NORTON, Va. Barbara Benko "BB" Collins was born Jan. 9, 1943, in Philadelphia. She became a Norton resident in 1946, when her father moved the family to southwest Virginia to practice medicine. She passed away on Oct. 27, 2010, at Lonesome Pine Hospital in the company of her immediate family. Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. Ernest J. and Mildred Benko. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Robert Ronald Collins; daughter, A. Christeen Collins and her husband, Keith McFadden, and daughter, E. Maureen Collins; her brother, Ernest J. Benko Jr.; a brother-in-law, Steven L. Collins and his wife, Jeannette; and other relatives. BB was a graduate of Loyola University in New Orleans, received two master degrees at the University of Virginia, and most recently completed a third master degree in counseling from Lindsey Wilson College. She was a teacher for the Wise County School System for over 40 years, and began working for Frontier Health immediately after retiring from teaching. She cherished her students and her clients. She never lost her passion for learning and considered herself a lifelong student. She was a member of the Norton United Methodist Church, Norton Lions Club, Norton Green Thumb Garden Club, American Counseling Association, Humane Society, American Association of University Women, several bridge clubs, and was a past member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. She was a wonderful volunteer, friend to many, and admired and loved by her family and many friends. She had a passion for cooking, traveling, entertaining, dancing with her husband, high heel shoes, poodles and fancy fingernails. Special thanks are offered by her family to the many individuals that offered love and support, and to Lonesome Pine Hospital and Hospice and Palliative Care of Virginia. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton United Methodist Church, 1228 Park Avenue, Norton, VA 24273. At her request, her body was donated to the University of Virginia Medical School. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Nov. 6, 2010, at 1 p.m., at the Norton United Methodist Church for family and friends to pay tribute to her remarkable life. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton is serving the Collins family.