“If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together, keep me in your heart. I’ll be there forever.” Winnie the Pooh
Melissa Ann Collins, 69, born in Wichita Falls, Texas by the light of railroad lantern and a flashlight during a thunderstorm, has departed this world to rejoin most of her family. A loving, caring, intelligent woman she devoted her life to the health and wellbeing of others. She had an incredible sense of humor, had a great talent for cross stitch, needle work, embroidery, crochet, as well as being a wonderful cook. She was especially close to her family.
She only ever desired to be a nurse, evidenced from early age, and that is exactly what she became, a Registered Nurse, with a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Texas in Austin.
Upon graduation, she worked in the major hospitals in the Houston Medical Center over several years, then joined the Radiation Department of Park Plaza Hospital, where she worked for 25+ years. She was certified in radiation nursing, the technology of treatments, and worked with her fellow nurses and the doctors to care for patients.
She is preceded in death by Lt. Col. (USAF) Foley D. Collins, Jr (father), Pathea Jo Collins (nee Thornton; mother) youngest sister, Stephanie Lee Ross (nee Collins) and former husband Jefferson Flowers III.
Melissa is survived by her older sister, Cynthia, brother-in-law, A. Dean Ross, and nieces, Patty and Sara Ross.
Due to COVID-19, there will be no visitation or service at this time. Plans are in work for a celebration later in the year.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charities that Melissa favored most, the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust; the Conservation Council for Hawaii; the Nature Conservancy – Hawai’i Chapter; the World War II Memorials of either Washington, DC or New Orleans, LA; or charities benefiting animals, particularly cats, Lhasa Apsos, and orangutans.
“Promise me you will always remember that you’re braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.” Winnie the Pooh
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