Carol Kay Collins

Carol Kay Collins
December 2, 1937 – July 21, 2025
Born, lived, and died in South Haven, Michigan.
Carol Kay Collins, beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 87.
Carol spent her early years in South Haven, forming close bonds with friends she treasured throughout her life. She married Richard Collins on May 17, 1957 and raised four children before divorcing in May 1982.
Carol began her professional career with the South Haven Public School District as a Reading Aide in the 1970s. After exploring various jobs around South Haven, she returned to the School District in 1985, where she served as an Administrative Assistant in the principal's office until her retirement in 1998. Her kindness, steady presence, and quick wit left a lasting impression on students and staff alike.
Carol loved to travel. One of her favorite experiences was a 1997 trip to Spain with a group of Spanish class students. After her camera was promptly stolen, the students surprised her by pooling their money to buy her a new one – an act that touched her deeply. In 2001, she traveled to Alaska to volunteer with the Victory Ministries at Miracle Lodge, where she helped supervise more than 250 high school students. She also fondly recalled a spontaneous road trip to Natchez and other southern destinations with her dear friend, Claudia.
Carol loved lighthouses and hot air balloons. After a trip in a balloon, she took up sky-diving. Her favorite jump took place in the Everglades, where she narrowly missed an alligator. When she was in her 50s, her granddaughter convinced her to take up skate-boarding. She could often be found at the South Haven skateboard park in the early morning before "those teenagers come and ruin it." When her rheumatoid arthritis started, she took up competitive poker.
Carol will be remembered for her humor (sometimes dark) and her ability to find happiness in both the everyday and the extraordinary.
Carol was the daughter of Clarence H. Thomas and Florence M. Soergel, who preceded her in death, as well as the sister of John Thomas, who also preceded her in death. She is survived by her sons Mark, David, Dan (Julie), and her favorite daughter, Kelly (Paul). She also leaves behind her cherished granddaughters Rebecca Brauns (Benjamin), Anna Sontag (Joseph), and Malorie Cogar (Matt) as well as great-grandchildren Emma, Keaton, and Eliana.
Those wishing to share a memory of Carol online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com. Those wishing to send flowers, Please buy flowers for yourself. Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.