Mary Elizabeth Collins

Mary Elizabeth, "Betty", Williams Collins
Mary Elizabeth, "Betty", after being born in Houstonia, Missouri in 1919, spent her childhood with her parents, Ewing and Blanche Williams, and her brother, Ewing, in Sedalia, Missouri. There she met John Collins. When the family moved to Kansas City, Betty attended and graduated from Paseo High School. After World War II, John returned to Sedalia to recuperate from his 3 years as a Japanese prisoner of war. Their relationship resumed and love bloomed. They married and started a family. John continued a career in the Air Force, and as the family grew, they moved to a variety of military postings. In 1964, John left the service and the family moved to Kansas City, Missouri. After a time spent with Bettys mother, known as Grammy, the Collins family bought their family home at 2 West 61st Terrace. Betty, John, and the 6 kids were active members of St. Peters Catholic Church. After Johns retirement from Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, he and Betty were able to travel more often, including trips to England, as well as visiting family in New Jersey, Sikeston, and other places. John and Betty found an artistic outlet when they started a ceramics club at the church that lasted 29 years. Betty was also active as a Eucharistic minister, and as a member of the Altar and Rosary Society, Prayer Relay Chain, and VIP-Seniors Program.
Betty and John were blessed to have Grammy share their home for many years. Betty worked temporary jobs on occasion, but with Grammys support, she reveled in her role as mother, daughter, wife, mother, and homemaker. Some years after Johns passing, Betty moved out of their "Catholic bungalow" into a condo in Brookside. With fewer home responsibilities, Betty stayed active by attending mass, driving friends to and from church activities and doctors visits, becoming active in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) for 31 years, and exercising in the condo gym. Betty lived independently until her 99th year with a clear mind and an active body. About a year ago, Betty had a serious fall and found the time had come to move to a senior facility for more support services. Many people at Sunrise Senior have marveled at how much family came to visit with Betty, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, joining her for happy hour, singing along with Betty and other residents, or chatting with her in the dining hall or in her room. Betty was able to see friends and go out to lunch or dinner with people, even though sometimes she forgot to sign out, much to the consternation of the Sunrise staff.
Betty brought sunshine and grace to all who met her. She maintained a positive attitude through the challenges of life. Her faith in the Church and in her Lord was strong. Betty was the quintessential Catholic matriarch of her family. She was a woman inspired by her strong faith and heart for service. She handled challenges with grace and quiet strength. She rarely if ever raised her voice and handled decisions with the belief that it is possible to see the good in every situation. She always saw the good.
Such was Bettys manner that each of her children believed that they were her favorite. The only thing as important to her as her faith, was her family. Betty, or Beeme, to her grandchildren, was surrounded by her 6 children, 15 grandchildren, and 12 great grandchildren treating each as the uniquely special people they are. She wouldnt have it any other way. She leaves with all of her family, by birth or by marriage, and all her friends, a legacy of what a stellar Christian life looks like. We celebrate her life and all the gifts she gave to those with whom she had contact. She has earned her eternal rest in the arms of the Lord.

Visitation St. Peter's Catholic Church

Monday, May 20, 2019

6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

701 E Meyer BlvdKansas City, Missouri 64131
Directions Rosary St. Peter's Catholic Church

Monday, May 20, 2019

7:30 PM

701 E Meyer BlvdKansas City, Missouri 64131
Directions Mass of Christian Burial St. Peter's Catholic Church

Tuesday, May 21, 2019

10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

701 E Meyer BlvdKansas City, Missouri 64131

Burial immediately following Mass at Mt. Olivet Cemetery All are invited to lunch at St. Peter's following the cemetery
Directions