Doris J. Collins

Doris J. Collins, age 90, of Dagsboro, Delaware, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, December 11, 2025.

Born on October 13, 1935, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Doris was the daughter of the late Thomas Kerr and Maryjane "Scotty" (Magee) Kerr. She was a graduate of Tamaqua High School, Class of 1953, and continued her education at Goldey Beacom School of Business in Wilmington, Delaware.

Doris discovered her lifelong passion for dance at an early age and began teaching while still in high school at the Jean Dixon Dance Studio in Tamaqua, Pennsylvania. After relocating to Delaware in 1956, she continued sharing her love of dance as an instructor at Ms. Flossie's School of Dance in Sussex County.

Alongside her beloved husband, William James Collins, Doris co-owned and operated Bill's Sportswear and Peddler's Village in Bethany Beach. She later devoted many years of service to the Indian River School District, where she worked as a personnel secretary until her retirement in 1998.

Retirement allowed Doris to fully embrace her love of travel, creating cherished memories while visiting all 50 states and numerous countries. She was a devoted and faithful member of St. George's United Methodist Church in Clarksville, Delaware.

Doris will be remembered for her grace, dedication, strong work ethic, and the joy she brought to those around her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her loving husband, Bill Collins; 3 children, Scott Collins, Bambi Collins Nilan and Brenda Collins Showalter; a granddaughter, Catherine Adkins and a sister, Florence Kerr Dampman. Doris is survived by a daughter, Colleen Collins Murphy of Dagsboro, DE; four grandchildren, Amanda Showalter of Millsboro, DE, Sarah Murphy of Millsboro, DE, Krista Showalter of Frankford, DE, Colin Nilan and his wife, Whitney of Seaford, DE and seven great grandchildren. A sister, Bobbie Kerr Quillen and her husband Bill from Georgetown.

A private family only memorial service will be held at the Frankford Chapel of Melson Funeral Services. Interment will be held privately at Roxana Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Doris' name to St. George's United Methodist Church, 34337 Omar Rd., Frankford, DE 19945.