Laurie Beth Collins

Laurie Collins Obituary

Laurie Beth Collins, age 53, went to be with her Lord Wednesday, November 30, 2005. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bernard and Anna Berg and her sister, Anna Mae Spaniolo. She is survived by her husband, Jim Collins; daughter, Anna Collins; son, Isaac-John Collins. Also surviving her sisters and brothers, Charles (Ginger) Spaniolo, Connie (Norm) VanderStel, Janet (Bob) Schout, Donna (Tom) Wood, Bernie (Ginny) Berg, Darlene (Gary) Edgecomb, Mark (Carlene) Berg, Jeremy (Freya) Berg, Nancy Berg, Michele (Tony) DeLeeuw, Carla (Carlos) Rodriguez, and Leslie (Michael) Hoffman; mother-in-law, Catherine Collins; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Betsy (Harvey) Golbek, Nora (Bruce) Summers, and Andy (Patty) Collins; 75 nieces and nephews; 79 great nieces and nephews and her aunts, uncles, and cousins. Born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Laurie attended Grand Rapids Baptist College (presently Cornerstone University) and graduated from Western Michigan University with a degree in Elementary Education and a Master's degree in Elementary Counseling. She also attended the Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary. She taught first grade for five years at Grand Rapids Baptist Academy (presently Northpointe Academy), then served under Baptist Mid Missions for one year in the Central African Republic. As a missionary under the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM), she spent four years teaching at Kent Academy in Nigeria. After marrying, Jim and Laurie attended a one year language school in Costa Rica before serving in Bolivia for three years. Since 1991, they have served in Longview, Texas as missionaries under SIM/Missionary Tech Team. Laurie's unwavering faith, indomitable spirit, steely determination, and joyful perseverance in the face of suffering have been a testimony to all who have known her as she battled the continual pain and progressive debilitating effects of severe Juvenile-Onset Rheumatoid Arthritis since her preschool years. She looked consistently to God, the One who lifts my head (Psalm 3:3) for strength. Funeral visitation will be Tuesday, December 6 at the Lakeview Funeral Home, 5000 W. Harrison Road, Longview, TX 75604. Funeral services and burial will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 7 at Calvary Baptist Church in Longview, Texas, with Rev. Richard Jones and Rev. Birne Wiley officiating. A service celebrating Laurie's life will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, December 13 at Berean Baptist Church, 1574 Coit Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, with Rev. Duane Duhon and Rev. Burland Margesson officiating. Contributions in memory of Laurie may be made to the Laurie Collins Memorial Fund for Kent Academy, c/o SIM International, P.O. Box 7900, Charlotte, NC 28241-7900 or Missionary Tech Team, 25 FRJ Dr., Longview, TX 75602-4703.

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Published by Grand Rapids Press on Dec. 3, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for Laurie Collins

7 Entries

Sandi Sage

December 12, 2005

To the entire Berg and Collins family - Laurie was my oldest daughter's (Lisa Katerberg) first grade teacher at Baptist Academy years ago. I speak for both my daughter and myself in saying that Laurie was an inspiration and blessing to us. Even with all the physical pain she endured she was the most patient and loving teacher with her young students. May our Lord bless all of you with the knowledge that she touched and blessed so many people in her short 53 years. She has now achieved the greatest gift of all - to be in the presence of her Lord and has not more pain. Praise God!

Marie Zuidema

December 6, 2005

To all the Berg brothers and sisters and families,

My sincere sympathy as you mourn the passing of your dear sister Laurie. She was an inspiration to me like no other person I have ever known. May the peace of God be with you today and always.

Sincerely, Marie Zuidema

Joy Bell

December 6, 2005

Laurie was a close friend since college. Even with distance and a painful and yet busy life, Laurie made the effort to keep in touch. What an example of running the race even when she physically had to crawl. I think she was way ahead of most of us who don't have the physical setbacks.

Nancy DeValve

December 6, 2005

Laurie was a good friend who always encouraged me to do more than I thought I could. Her life was such an example of throwing away the victim mentality and doing what God gave you to do with excellence and joy. Laurie will be missed!!

Darwin Cooper

December 4, 2005

Our family will miss you, Darwin, Aaron and Meagan Cooper

Cathy Cooper

December 4, 2005

She has been my dearest friend. God allowed me to serve Him through her. I will greatly miss her. She is running in heaven with no more suffering and no more pain. Thank you Jesus for answered prayers. I love you sweet one, I hope to see you soon. My tears are not just of sorrow but of joy. May we all give like she gave, her heart always focused on serving God. It was a priveledge knowing her.

Dick&Rachel Bos

December 3, 2005

Laurie's death leaves an empty spot in the hearts and lives of those she touched during her short life. Her unwavering Faith will be her legacy for others to see. May God grant you comfort during this time.

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