Florine Kirby Collins

Florine Kirby Collins passed away, peacefully and surrounded by her family, at Merit Health Wesley Hospital in Hattiesburg, MS, on Friday, January 3, 2020.

Florine was born in Egremont, MS, on October 23, 1933, to Ira and Lola Kirby. She graduated from Rolling Fork High School in 1951, and attended Mississippi College before marrying the love of her life, Don H. “Ike” Collins, Sr. She and Ike moved to Anguilla, MS in 1958, where they raised their four children. She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Anguilla, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, and choir director. She and Ike moved to Hattiesburg, MS in 2004 where they became volunteers at Wesley Medical Center. Because of her caring and kind-hearted spirit, Florine quickly became a favorite around the hospital. In 2008, she was named Wesley Medical Center Volunteer of the Year.

Florine was well known for her love and concern for others. She loved sending notes and cards to those in special need or to those celebrating special events. Florine loved music of all types. A gifted vocalist, she blessed many by her beautiful soprano solos in church and at special functions. But she was best known for her most favorite role in life - that of being a wife, mother, and beloved “Memaw” to all who knew her. She had a special way of making everyone in her family feel truly loved and very special.

Florine was preceded in death by her father, Ira Eugene Kirby, her mother, Lola Mae Ann Kirby, and her three brothers, Charles Kirby, Calvin Kirby, and Leonard Kirby.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Don H. “Ike” Collins, Sr. Of Hattiesburg, MS, her son Donnie Collins (Phyllis) of Madison, MS, and three daughters, Cissy Smith (Johnny) of Rolling Fork, MS, Judy Gill (John) of Sumrall, MS, and Brenda Lowery (Lance) of Raleigh, MS. She also leaves 12 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren (with 2 more on the way), and a sister, Gloria Thomas (Hugh) of Greenville, MS.

Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church of Anguilla on Monday, January 6, 2020, from 1:00-3:00, with a funeral service to follow. Burial will be at Mound Cemetery in Rolling Fork, MS.

Pallbearers will be as followed; Craig Boykin, CJ Clark, Willie Maranto, Don Collins, Chase Tally, Rodney Greshan, Andy Anderson and Bubba Keever.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Florine Kirby Collins, please visit our floral store.