Jewel Dean Collins

Jewell Dean Collins, age 85, of La Grande, died May 20, 2013 at a local care facility. A graveside service for family and friends will be announced at a later date by Daniels~Knopp Funeral, Cremation & Life Celebration Center.

Jewell was born on May 29, 1927, the daughter of Paul A. and Bertie L. (McCulley) Farmer in Dunlap, Tennessee. As a young girl she helped her father on their farm milking cows and putting up hay from their fields and was known as "Dad's Tomboy". In high school she was in 4-H Clubs of crafts, sewing and needlework and was also in the Latin Club. She was married to Marshall Collins for 18 years and they had two sons together. The family logged in Dunlap and logging brought them out west in 1955 when they moved to La Grande from Monterey, Tennessee. She was a bookkeeper and was a member of the Credit Women's Breakfast Club and was a lifetime member of Eastern Star Chapter #13 and was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts. She enjoyed working with ceramics. In 1979 she moved to Huntsville, Alabama. After the death of her mother and oldest son, Steven Collins, she moved back to La Grande in 1997. She enjoyed plants and gardening. She never lost her Southern drawl and had a unique laugh that was recognized by anyone who knew her.

Survivors include her son, Alan Collins of La Grande; six grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by sisters, Maxine Dunn and Ann Bilbrey.

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