Mary Lou Bush Collins

Mary Lou Bush Collins, 92, of Havana, Fla. died Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 in Tallahassee.

She was born on April 4, 1915, in Brooks County, Ga., where she graduated from Brooks County High School in 1932 and attended college in Macon, Ga. Mrs. Collins continued her education at The Georgia College for Women where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education. She soon began teaching Special Education for the Brooks County school district until her retirement in 1974.

A devoted educator, Mrs. Collins was fondly remembered by many of her former students as “a teacher with a gentle and patient way of making learning both a rewarding and enjoyable experience.” Mrs. Collins never missed an opportunity to teach young people as evidenced by her numerous hours teaching reading as a volunteer with the Literacy Volunteers of America, Inc. and her many Sunday School classes.

Mrs. Collins also enjoyed gardening and was noted for her beautiful flower arrangements that she shared with her many friends, co-workers and family. Many of her favorite moments were spent cultivating magnificent Thomasville Roses and traveling with friends and family to Callaway Gardens. Her love for life and the people she shared it with was always apparent in the many cards, letters, and gifts that she so faithfully shared with everyone that crossed her path. From her early days spent working diligently in her father’s mercantile store to her last days spent with her extensive family, Mrs. Collins touched people in a very genuine and special way. Her strong Christian faith, work ethic and compassion for others will live on in every one of us that has had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by one daughter; Elaine Bembry and husband John of Climax, Ga.; two sons, Ralph J. Collins of Austin, Texas, Ronnie and Peggy Parker Collins of Tallahassee; eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren and one sister, Mable Holton of Gulfbreeze, Fla. We make a special mention of gratitude to Joann Spack of Concordia, Fla., for her endless dedication and care. She was preceded in death by her husband, Avery Ralph Collins.

Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2007, at 11 a.m. in the Old Side of Oak Hill Cemetery with Rev. Marty Carnes officiating.

Condolences may be conveyed on line at www.maxwellmillerfuneralhome.com — Maxwell-Miller Funeral Home.