Mary Lucille Archer Collins

Mary Lucille Archer Collins, a recent resident of DuPont, Wash. and formerly of Little Rock, Ark., died Feb. 22, 2012. She was born Aug. 6, 1925 to George Thornton Archer Sr. and Irma John Ray Archer. She was a Cum Laude graduate of Little Rock Sr. High in 1942. Mary graduated with honors from St. Vincent School of Nursing in January 1946 and was a Registered Nurse. She worked at hospitals in Wellesley, Mass. and St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock. She later worked with her husband in the real estate, insurance and construction businesses while raising their family. As the youngest of five children, Mary devoted many years caring for elderly parents and siblings. She was also a wonderful grandmother to her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Mary was an active member of First Presbyterian Church in Little Rock for 34 years where she taught Sunday school. From 1979 until 2009, she was a member of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Mary was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Col. (USA Ret.) James M. Collins; her parents; two brothers, Bill and George Archer; and two sisters, Jean Archer Holmes Finton and Marian Ray Archer Meachum. Her survivors include her two sons, Major General (USA Ret.) James M. Collins Jr. (Linda) of Steilacoom, Wash. and Dr. Charles M. Collins (Sheila) of Portsmouth, R.I.; grandchildren, CPT Andy Collins (Julia) of Tacoma, Wash., Lauren Collins of Olympia, Wash., Charles Michael Collins of Newport, R.I., John Corey Collins of Sunny Isles Beach, Fla., James Conor Collins of Newport, R.I., and Cadet Mary Kathryn Collins of West Point, N.Y.; great-grandchildren, Claire and Noah Collins of Tacoma, Wash.; and a host of nieces and nephews. Her funeral will be held Friday, March 30, 2012 at Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church in Little Rock. Arrangements are by Roller-Chenal Funeral Home, (501)224-8300. Memorials may be made to the James M. and Mary A. Collins Worship Endowment at the PHUMC Foundation, 4823 Woodlawn Drive, Little Rock, AR 72205. Online guestbook: www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal