Maxine Garris Collins

Maxine Garris Collins Jones, 85 of El Dorado passed away February 12, 2018. Born November 26, 1932 in Wesson, she was the daughter of Alden and Ethel Adams Garris. She was the oldest of seven children, growing up in Wesson and attending Junction City High School and later business school in El Dorado.

While in high school Maxine was named Most Outstanding Athlete for her ability on the basketball team. During her teen years Maxine learned to sew and made many of her own clothes.

She later married John M. “Rip” Collins, a recent forestry graduate from the University of Florida. They began their married life in Malvern where Rip was employed by International Paper Co and Maxine worked at Acme Brick payroll Department. Rip was later transferred to Sheridan with IP and Maxine worked for Williams Lumber Co.

Another transfer for Rip sent them to Rison for a short time and then to El Dorado for several years then to Pine Bluff. A later transfer sent the family to Camden where Rip passed away in 1997 after 45 years of marriage. She worked at the Hush Puppy Restaurant in Camden and the Duck Inn on weekend nights. Maxine took up bowling along the way and travelled to many tournaments and was the Arkansas State Tournament winner in Fayetteville one year. She also loved growing flowers and learned to make jelly and jam for entry in the Camden Fair and to share with friends.

Maxine enjoyed working in the churches wherever she lived and taking part in all the activities that she could. Maxine served as Treasurer of the Camden Women’s Golf Association for six years and President of the Camden Women’s Bowling Association.

Maxine later married her high school friend, Frank Taylor Jones, Jr. in El Dorado, enjoying a year and a half marriage before Frank passed away.

While a member of First Baptist Church of El Dorado she served on the Flower Committee, Senior Choir and was an active member of the Parlor Sunday School Class.

Preceding her in death along with her parents are her husbands, a son, Greg Collins and a brother, Howard Garris.

Survivors include a son, Scott Collins of Stephens, a brother, Elton Garris (Annette) of El Dorado and sisters, Amy Thorne of Marietta, GA, Relda Huitt (Kenny) of Junction City, Mary Lou Fischer of Allison Park, PA, Francis “Teal” Combs (Dean) of Spring, TX along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 17, 2018 at First Baptist Church of El Dorado with Rev. LaMont Harris and Rev. Charles Ainsworth officiating. Interment will follow in Memorial Park Cemetery in Camden under the direction of Young’s Funeral Directors.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 16, 2018 at Young’s.

Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church, 200 W. Main St., El Dorado, AR 71730, or to Cullendale First Baptist Church, 1850 Cash Rd. SW, Camden, AR 71701.

An online registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.