Murreline Sherryl Collins

It's difficult to put into words all that Murreline meant to us, but I hope to offer just a glimpse of the incredible woman she was...
Early Life and Family-
Murreline Sherryl Collins was born on December 29, 1966, in Springerville, Arizona, to Horton Eugene Irvin and Virginia Elaine Counts Irvin. As a child, she lived in several towns across the Southwest, including Reserve and Tularosa, New Mexico; Fowler, Colorado; Iowa Park, Texas; and finally, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Murreline came from a large and loving birth family, one of fourteen children.
Faith and Reflections-
Murreline grew up in a home rooted in faith. Her father, a pastor, often traveled from Fowler, Colorado, to Denver to preach at different churches. Over the years, Murreline and I would sometimes wonder if our paths had ever crossed as children. We liked to think maybe God had started our story long before we ever knew it. One of her favorite verses was Psalms 91:4 He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
She graduated from Windsor Hills High School and later attended Drawns Business School, where she trained to become a phlebotomist. Her work in the medical field was a reflection of her deeply caring and compassionate nature.
She was one of fourteen children. She is preceded in death by her siblings: Clifford Eugene Irvin, Lonora Elaine Acosta, Emma Francis Hardcastle, Horton Lee Irvin, Ellen Sue McHuen, Polly Faye Irvin, sister-in-law Eula Mae Irvin, brothers-in-law Mike Acosta, Charles Carter, Jack McHuen, Donnie Krug; and two nieces, Hannah Welton and Elizabeth Benson.
She is survived by her Husband, William "Shawn" Collins, Daughter Hillary Kay Williams, and granddaughter Zoey Nichole Williams.
Many of her birth family continue to carry on the legacy of kindness and faith: sisters, Kathy Irvin Carter, Virginia Benson, and her husband, Kenneth, and Priscilla Krug; brothers, Daniel Irvin and his wife, Judith, and Steven Irvin and his wife, Patty; sister-in-law: Evelyn Irvin; She also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews.
Our Love Story and Marriage-
I met Murreline while I was attending Bible college at OBC. Her sister Polly spent six months trying to get her to meet me. Eventually, Murreline agreed. On March 12, 1988, her brother Daniel brought me to their home, where I met the most beautiful young woman I had ever seen. She had just finished her shift at the hospital, still in her crisp white uniform-in my view, she looked like an angel.
We dated for two years, and on June 23, 1990, I married the love of my life and my best friend. Shortly after, we welcomed our daughter, Hillary Kay, into our family on April 16, 1991. Murreline stepped fully into motherhood with a grace and devotion that defined her. She left her career as a phlebotomist to focus on our family, and it was clear that no job meant more to her than raising our daughter, Hillary.
Character and Personality-
Murreline was a kind-hearted woman, thoughtful, gentle, and gracious. Back when we were dating, we made a promise to each other: that we would never speak an unkind word to one another, because once words are spoken, they can never be taken back. We kept that promise faithfully for 35 years.
Wonderfully creative, she had a talent for working with artificial flowers, crafting beautiful wreaths and arrangements that brought joy to others. She loved home decorating, and she also loved traveling with me when I was on the road as a truck driver. Those shared miles and memories are some of the sweetest I will treasure forever.
Legacy-
She touched many lives with her warmth, wisdom, advice, and unwavering love. Whether you knew her as a sister, wife, mother, aunt, or friend, you knew a sweet, Christian woman who lived with quiet strength and deep care for those around her. She was the heart of our home, the joy of our lives, and the calm in every storm.
As we say goodbye to Murreline, we hold tight to the memories, the laughter, the promises kept, and the love shared. She taught us all what it means to love well and live kindly.
Until we meet again, my love, thank you for the life we built together. I will carry you in my heart every step of the way.