Mary Elizabeth Collins

August 21, 1923 - February 8, 2012 Raleigh - Mary Elizabeth Collins, 88, went home to be with her heavenly father on February 8, 2012. Mary Elizabeth, daughter of the late Otelia House Ferrell and Walter Reldue Ferrell was born in Wake County. She is survived by her devoted husband of 70 years, Samuel Ray Collins, Sr. and was the mother of four children Dolores Bagley (John), Samuel Ray Collins, Jr. (Jill), Ronald G. Collins (Julie) and Lynn Strother, five grandchildren Lisa Hahn, Chris Bagley, Kelly Muller, Samantha Collins and Jessica Strother, and five great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Mertie Tibbins, Birdie Lee Wall, Virginia Ferrell and her dear niece Eleanor Seawell. After graduating from Knightdale High School she went to work for Hudson Belk as a bookkeeper where she met the love of her life, Ray. Mary and Ray were part owners of Collins-Warren Drive-In, where she was famous for her delicious chocolate pies. Later in life after raising her children she retired from the Wake County School System - Child Nutrition Services where she was a cashier at Fred A. Smith Elementary School. After her marriage she became an active member of Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church where she received an Honorary Life Membership in the Women of the Church on September 27, 1968. She was an energetic, joyous and dedicated Christian, who has served the Master in all walks of life - In the home as a loving and devoted wife and mother; In the community as a good Samaritan to the infirmed, bereaved and needy; In the congregation by faithful attendance and through active participation as Church School Teacher, Youth Advisor, Counselor, Bible Moderator, Committee Member, served two terms as a Deacon, two terms as an Elder and served two terms as president of the Women of the Church. She was a member that took as her lifes motto: Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with all thy might and to the Glory of God. The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of The Laurels of Forest Glenn and Liberty Hospice. A visitation will be Friday, February 10, 2012, Bryan-Lee Funeral Home in Garner, NC from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will be at Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church, Raleigh on Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 11:00 am. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Ernest Myatt Presbyterian Church.