Betty A. Collins

Betty A. Collins Betty, a beautiful, elegant lady, after a valiant effort, passed away from complications of Crohn’s disease on November 2, 2013 with her children at her side. Betty was a creative, stylish woman, with a strong fashion sense and a keen eye, finding beauty in even the most unusual places. She was often sought out for her innate talent in interior design. She loved dancing and listening to a wide variety of music, especially classical, and enjoyed listening to her children play instruments and her husband sing. She always found good qualities in everyone and gave out heartfelt compliments freely. “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say it at all” was a motto she lived by. Some of her proudest accomplishments, aside from raising five children, four born within 22 months, resulted from being active in county politics in Shelby County, Ohio. She was the first woman to run for county office (County Recorder) and the first woman to be elected committee woman from the 4th Congressional District. Behind her beautiful demeanor was determination and ambition that she instilled in her children. Betty was born in Etowah, Tennessee on August 7, 1931, an only child, to Arley and Mildred (White) Creech. After graduating Whitley County High School, she met and married John Clay Noel, III and gave birth to their son, John Clay Noel, IV. She then worked for her father-in-law’s bank, Farmers’ Bank, of Frankfurt, Kentucky and subsequently for the State of Kentucky. After her husband John Noel’s early demise from a tragic auto accident, Betty met and married H. Thomas Collins, the love of her life and husband of 56 years. Betty and Tom had four children: Keith and Kevin Collins, identical twins, and two daughters, Kimberlee Collins (William Cosgrove) and Kathy Collins. Betty and Tom went on to live in Ohio where they raised their family. Betty was active in numerous community service organizations and various auxiliaries, including Epsilon Sigma Alpha, Eastern Star and Women’s Business Club, as well as actively involved in her children’s activities. Being a kind, loving mother, a supportive wife and providing a warm, beautiful home were her top priorities. During her last years living in Perrysburg, Ohio with her daughter Kimberlee and son-in-law, despite her health issues, she was fun, upbeat and enjoyed traveling to many places, especially to Europe and Mexico with her daughter and spending time in Nashville with her children. She was a loving inspiration and will be missed immensely by her family. Betty was preceded in death by her son Keith Collins, both husbands, and her parents. She is survived by four children, John Noel, IV, Kevin Collins and Kathy Collins, all of Nashville, TN and Kimberlee Collins (William Cosgrove) of Perrysburg, OH; three grandchildren: John Clay Noel, V, Edward Collins Bayer and Bryan Collins Bayer. A private family service will be held at the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg, Kentucky where Betty was baptized and a member. Memorial contributions may be made to Betty Creech Collins & H. Thomas Collins Scholarship Fund, University of the Cumberlands, President’s Office, 6191 College Station Drive, Williamsburg, Kentucky 40769. Phone: (606) 539-4201. Condolences may be made online at CoyleFuneralHome.com.

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Betty A. Collins

August 7, 1931 - November 2, 2013