Elisabeth Collins

Obituaries

Wednesday, 13 April 2022 05:54

Elisabeth Catherine Covey Collins, of Scottsboro, passed away on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 after a long and fulfilling life. A celebration of life was held on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at First United Methodist Church with burial following at Pinehaven Memorial Gardens.
Elisabeth was born to Jesse and Elizabeth Covey on Wednesday, February 11, 1925 in Dublin, Virginia. She was raised on the farm, helping her mother prepare meals for boarders who helped her father keep the farm thriving. She later graduated from Dublin High and attended Radford College, earning a degree in English. After graduation, Elisabeth moved to Maryland to live with a beloved aunt and uncle. While there, she taught at school.
One fateful night, mutual friends set her up on a blind date to play bridge with Carl Collins, a LTJG in the United States Navy, who proposed to Elisabeth on their second date. Following the wedding, they relocated to Birmingham where Elisabeth taught school, and Carl completed a surgical residency. Afterwards, they moved to Scottsboro in 1949. In later years and for a long time, she kept a quote on her refrigerator that stated, “Behind every successful man is a successful woman.” She took that to heart, supporting Carl in every endeavor while enjoying her own interests.
Elisabeth quickly became a contributing member of the Jackson County Medical Auxiliary and served as a pink lady, among other things, at Jackson County Hospital. In 1951, she was a charter member of the Three Arts Club.
After her children were born, she became an ardent supporter of their activities. Her varied interests included bowling, golf, bridge, flying, hunting and houseboat, motorhome travel. She earned her private pilot’s license, and along with friends, participated in a Petticoat Derby; they came in third place. She was best known for her skills creating beautiful needlepoint works of art. As co-chairperson, she spearheaded the kneeling cushions and later, the Christian paraments projects at First United Methodist Church, where she and Carl were members since 1949. She was also well known for her egg salad sandwiches. Many friends remember her Christmas tree ornaments and packages featuring an assorted color scheme every year.
She is survived by her children, Beth (David) Presley, Jr., Amy (Christopher) Cameron, Arthur Collins, Jr.; grandchildren, Dr. Elise (Daniel) Johnson, Charles Presley, III; great-grandchildren, Carley Johnson, Henry Johnson; sister, Margaret Brewer; brother, Jerry Covey; sisters-in-law, Annette (Dr. Wyatt) Collins, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Covey, Lucille Covey, Gladys Barclay, Patricia Collins. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband of 53 years, Carl; brothers, Jesse Covey, Jr., Raymond Covey, Sr., Herbert Covey, Earl Covey, Sr.; nephews, Wyatt Collins, Jr., Raymond Covey, Jr.; niece, Dr. Patsy Covey; brother-in-law, Dr. Wyatt Collins, Sr.; sisters-in-law, Kathleen Covey, Lucille Covey, Gladys Barclay, Patricia Collins.
The family would like to give special thanks to Elisabeth’s caregiver, Geneva Marcum; the entire family loves her. They would also like to thank the exceptional and caring staff and friends at Rosewood Manor and the wonderful staff at Highlands Health & Rehab.
Flowers are appreciated. The family requests that any donations in her memory go to one of the ministries (Nourish One Child or the FUMC Foundation) at First United Methodist Church, 1105 South Broad Street, Scottsboro, Ala. 35768 or to Radford University, Advancement Office, P.O. Box 6915, Radford, Virginia 24142.