Sarah Joyce Harkey Collins

Sarah Joyce Harkey Collins, born April 6, 1925 in Vicksburg Mississippi, passed away in Baton Rouge on October 10, 2014. She is now re-united with her husband of 62 years, who died one month ago. Our precious mom was a gift from God to this world. She was the only child that her mother birthed that actually survived. She was born so premature that she weighed less than four pounds, and she wasn't expected to live. She not only lived, she lived a beautiful life of pure love. After attending Newcomb College (now Tulane), she worked as a librarian at Tulane University. A skinny Tulane graduate student, named Heron, frequented this library, where he checked out more than books! Heron, her soon to be husband and she, actually first met while attending Lane Memorial Methodist church. They married in 1952, and she lovingly devoted her life to her husband, their four children, their spouses, and her grandchildren. She always saw the best in everyone, and never spoke ill of anyone. Many have received a meal, a hug, a card, a compliment, or words of encouragement from her, because she always thought of others! We will all miss our dearly loved Matriarch! Sarah is preceded in death by her parents, Welton Troy Harkey and Mattie Dochterman Harkey; her husband, Heron Sherwood Colllins; and her son, Thomas Welton Collins. She is survived by three children; son, Rip Collins and spouse Melinda Lorio, daughter, Jill Collins Meredith and husband Locke Meredith, and son Bill Collins and wife Hiromi. She is survived by ten grandchildren; Sarah Collins Bennett and husband Daniel, Katie Collins Fetzer and husband Peyton, Collins Meredith and wife Claudia, Mitchell Meredith, Troy Collins, Taylor Collins, Madisonne Meredith, Mason Meredith, Hannah Collins, Mia Collins; and one great granddaughter, named Olivia Grace Bennett. Sarah was a faithful member of the First United Methodist church choir for over fifty years. A memorial service celebrating Sarah's life will be held at the Aldridge Chapel at First United Methodist church in Baton Rouge, at 1 pm, with visiting at 12 noon on Thursday October 16, 2014.