Betty L. Collins, 100, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2026. She was born on December 11, 1925, in Paola, Kansas to the late Joseph Harold Barber and Gladys Fern Barber.

Betty spent her early childhood years in Wildwood, Florida, later moving with her family to Jacksonville, Florida, where she began her working life as an administrative assistant for the Florida Times-Union. Betty enjoyed “cutting a rug” and utilized her Arthur Murray-learned dancing skills to lift the spirits of service men at USO events for which she volunteered. Soon after WWII ended, Betty met her husband, Jesse, beginning a 50 year partnership that would become one of the great chapters of her life. Ultimately, the couple spent most of their days living in and serving the community of Savannah, Georgia where they raised their family. 

To many in her family, Betty was simply known as “Sister”. The name reflected the special place she held in the hearts of those who loved her. She became the matriarch of her family—a source of strength, wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love. She was someone family members could turn to, knowing they would find a listening ear, a helping hand, and a warm welcome.

Betty believed in serving others. Throughout her life, she volunteered in many capacities with the PTA and gave her time generously to her Savannah community. She was also a longtime member of Bull Street Baptist Church and then Southside Baptist Church where she poured into the children by teaching primary Sunday school. Her service was never about recognition; it was simply part of who she was. Her quiet spirituality was evident not only in her beliefs, but in the way she lived her life—with kindness, compassion, humility, and genuine care for others.

Betty had a remarkable gift for making a house a home. She created a place where family and friends felt comfortable, loved, and always welcome. As an accomplished seamstress, she expressed her love through her creativity, bringing warmth and beauty into her home. She also loved bringing people together around her table. For many years, she hosted beautiful Thanksgiving dinners for family and friends, creating treasured traditions and memories that will continue to be shared for generations. With her incredible sense of humor and a gift for bringing laughter and joy to those around her, she made the simplest moments special.

Betty's greatest legacy is not found in any one accomplishment, but in the love she gave so freely and the lives she touched along the way. She showed those around her what it meant to serve, to care for others, to make a home, and to remain true to one's values.

After 100 remarkable years, Betty leaves behind a family enriched by her love and an enduring legacy of faith, service, family, and hospitality. Though she will be deeply missed, the lessons she taught, the traditions she created, and the love she shared will remain in the hearts of those who knew her.

Betty leaves behind a loving family who will forever cherish her memory. She is survived by her children, Jesse F. Collins III and Becky C. Ike; her grandchildren, Claire Hale (Travis), and Kathryn Pritz (Nate), Chris Collins (Amber), Taylor Collins (Jill), Cate Hodges (Wade), and Geoffrey Brown (Alyson); and her 12 great-grandchildren; her nephew, Ricky Harvey; and nieces, Deborah Lambert (Tom) and Lori Steffens (Dave).

She was preceded in death by her parents, Joseph Harold Barber and Gladys Fern Barber; her husband, Jesse Floyd Collins Jr.; her sisters, Jo Alice Bastian and Sandra Jean Harvey; her son-in-law, Joel Ike; her daughter-in-law, Geri Collins; her grandson, Alex Brown; and other beloved family members.

She was “Sister” to many, a matriarch to her family, and a blessing to all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her life was a gift, and her memory will be treasured forever.

Visitation: Saturday, September 5 from 10am -12pm  

Fox and Weeks Funeral Home, 4605 US-80, Savannah, GA 31410

Graveside Service: Saturday, September 5 at 2pm

Forest Lawn Cemetery, 315 Greenwich Rd, Savannah, GA 31404

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.