Barbara Christian Collins, age 68, of Vass, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:00 pm at Cox Memorial Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
Barbara was born in Colorado to the late Ray Roy Christian and Verna Morris Christian. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Kenneth Christian. On June 20 1955 the lord blessed us with such a beautiful soul, a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She was born in Leadville Colorado on the count of papa ray working in the coal mines.
They eventually made their way back to their home state NC. She grew up here with her sisters and brother and was always surrounded by her loving family. She loved an adventure; the beach was one of her favorite places to be, being outside in the fresh air. She took delight in all of Gods beautiful creations. She loved long early morning walks on the beach watching the sun rise, looking for sea shells and shark teeth to add to her collection, gardening and life on a farm. She didn’t mind getting her hands dirty. In her teens she found a love for the cosmetic industry soon after pursued a career in cosmetology. She grew up good and strong thanks to her wonderful parents Verna and Ray Christian.
When she was 18 she fell in love with and married my papa Charles. They just celebrated 51 years of marriage! About 9 months later they had their first child! A precious baby girl! My mama Paula Ann! In just 10 years they had completed their family for the time being anyways, with two more precious baby girls Tracy, Kelly, and 1 wild boy Lee. Their family became her whole world. She opened up her own beauty shop soon after, where she had a fabulous clientele; no one ever left her salon unhappy. They always left looking and feeling so refreshed and beautiful. She was very talented in her trade. There wasn’t anything she couldn’t do. She always said you can do anything you put your mind to. When her youngest son was just 10 years old she became a grandmother! Which later to be determined was actually ninny! She loved and adored her grand babies. There was nothing we could do wrong! And we always knew ninny would never tell us no. She taught us all so much. There is so much I could say about her I could go on and on for days. Like how much she loved puzzles. And what an amazing cook she was, she loved to joke and laugh. Her smile was priceless and her heart was pure. I looked up to her so much that I gave birth to her first great grandchild on her 56th birthday! There will always be a very special place in my heart for our ninny. This isn’t goodbye, this is just a thank you, and we love you and want to celebrate your life. You have left your mark here with us, you will never be forgotten, and will forever be cherished.
Barbara spent her career as a local hairdresser. She enjoyed going to the beach and picking up seashells but she especially enjoyed spending time with her family. She was a loving wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother and friend. She will be greatly missed.
She leaves behind her husband, Charles Lee Collins, Sr.; children, Paula Nieves (Tito) of Vass, Tracy Paterson (Justin) of Greenville, Kelly Kennedy of Vass, Charles Lee Collins, Jr. also of Vass; sisters, Linda Muse (Sandy), Peggy Marsh (Lavern), Carol Deese (Gary), Dana Trolio (Tony), Bonnie Roberts (Mike) all of Carthage; thirteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren.
Condolences may be sent to www.coxmemorialfuneralhome.com.
The family has entrusted services to Cox Memorial Funeral Home & Crematory of Vass.
