Beverly Jean Collins

Beverly Jean Collins passed quietly on May 1, 2025. She was 87 years old. She was born on January 25, 1938 in French Camp, California to Albert and Elizabeth Zimbelman. She was the sister to Donald, Vivian and Lolita.

Beverly grew up in Lodi, California surrounded by a large family. She fell in love with Bruce Collins of Stockton and married at age 17. Their song was Nat King Cole's, "Too Young". They established their home in Stockton and were married for 60 years before Bruce's passing in 2015, proving they weren't too young after all!

Bev and Bruce loved hosting family and friends whether it be Christmas Eve at their lovely home in Stockton or their annual Lobsterfest at the family cabin in the mountains.

Through her child rearing years, Beverly was a staunch supporter of Greg's Little League and Scouting pursuits. She also played an instrumental role in Cheryl's Rainbow Girls activities. She was very proud of both of her children.

Passing down family traditions to us, especially to her grandchildren, Nicole and Michael, in their early years to adulthood, was her favorite thing to do. Very valuable instructions were given when cooking the family recipes, such as the family bratwurst, as well as trying new recipes, that we are now able to carry on. Michael and Nicole have many memories traveling with Bev and Bruce whether it be cruises, several trips to Washington, DC, or going to the cabin during holidays and summer breaks from school. Earlier health issues never seemed to get her down and she always remained positive throughout the ordeals as she was comforted by her family and grandchildren. Education mentorship from elementary to college was priceless to her grandchildren and is regarded as invaluable advice and guidance. Grandma Bevers will be missed.

Bev was a hardworker who along with Bruce passed on their work ethic to us. She took the example of her sister, Lolita, and went to college after her children started Kindergarten earning a teaching credential, a Reading Specialist credential and a Master's degree. She started working for Stockton Unified as a Kindergarten teacher at Garfield School. She also was a director of a UOP Teacher Intern Program and the Program Specialist at Elmwood School for 25 years before transferring to the District Office to work on Special Programs. She retired after 34 years of service students, teachers and administrators in July of 2000. Daughter Cheryl, and granddaughter Leslie followed in her footsteps as educators.

Bev had a special talent for directing remodeling and redecorating jobs that were carried out by her son, Greg at the family cabin and her home. She also loved decorating for the holidays, and even though her health was declining, she continued buying festive candles to brighten her environment.

Beverly was very proud of the genealogy work she had done for both sides of the family. She started the effort in the seventies and continued until her death.

Bev had quite the green thumb and created a mini oasis of various plants and trees in pots and planters in the backyard.

Bev and Bruce also enjoyed traveling in retirement. Mom's favorite was their Black Sea cruise to Odessa and Turkey. They also took memorable family cruise trips to Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.

She also was delighted to go to Las Vegas to see Celine Dion with "the girls" for her 79th birthday, Washington DC and New York to celebrate Leslie and Andrea's citizenship and Paris to fulfill a lifelong dream when she was 81 with Cheryl, Bob and Leslie.

Beverly will always be remembered for her kenetic energy that could inspire many to action, her two speeds of "Stop and Go" which she applied to driving, walking and life in general, her great smile and contagious laugh as well as a sympathetic ear. She was a special generous spirit who became "Mother Collins" or Aunty "Bevers" to many across the years.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to her caregivers Ruth, Linda, Gloria, Maria, Rachel and Leslie who provided care for her in the last two years of her life. Special thanks also to the wonderful care provided by Hospice of San Joaquin.

She leaves behind son, Greg Collins (Karen), daughter, Cheryl Meeker-Mau (Bob), granddaughter, Nicole Collins, grandson, Michael Collins (Ashlee), great grandchildren , Evelyn and Emilee Collins as well as grandchildren in heart, Leslie Cázares Sánchez, Andrea Hernández and Edgar Cázares and great grandson in heart Luca Cázares. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, siblings and three nephews.

No services will be held. Cremation services provided by Nautilus. Ashes of both Beverly and Bruce will be joined and spread near the family cabin at a later date as per Beverly's desire.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a Memorial donation to one of the following: Hospice of San Joaquin, ASPCA or Family Promise of San Joaquin.