Mary Moore Collins fought the good fight and finished her race when she was called home on Sunday, February 14, 2021 at 76 years old. Mary was born August 5, 1944, to J.B. and Norine Moore, 13 years behind her sister Joann Moore Jones. She overcame adversity at an early age when she tragically lost her father at 6 years old, and used that strength and resilience as the foundation for her life. She was educated in Milan schools where she met her high school sweetheart and husband of 55 years, Fred Collins. They made their home in Milan and welcomed a son, McLean Collins, later in life in 1982. Mary was an educator at heart, teaching in Milan schools for 37 years in 3rd grade and 7th grade. She approached each day of her teaching career with passion for her students and with a goal to develop them into good people who would go on to make a difference in their families and communities. She formed lifelong friendships with her fellow teachers and would see them regularly for lunch or bridge games even throughout retirement. Outside of her classroom, Mary was a loyal and kind friend and a staple of the community. She was a lifelong member of Milan First United Methodist Church and volunteered in many capacities there, including teaching Sunday School and keeping the nursery. She also volunteered regularly at The Mustard Seed store and the soup kitchen. Mary was a past president of the Milan Junior Auxiliary, treasurer of the Milan Quarterback Club, an officer of the Milan Little League and Babe Ruth League, a board member of the Milan High School Alumni Association, a board member of the Oakwood Cemetery Association, a former member of the Milan Planning Commission and was selected as Educator of the Year by the Milan Chamber of Commerce. During retirement, Marys favorite activities were "piddling around" her yard, playing bridge and spending time with her neighbors and friends. She loved working outside and seeing the immediate fruits of her labor taking care of her garden. She had a green thumb and a plan for all seasons. She was also affectionately known around town for driving her old Mercedes with her dog in the back, and for her unique expressions with friends, family, and former students. She is survived by her best friend and husband of 55 years, Fred Collins, her son, McLean, and daughter-in-law, Meredith and 2 grandchildren, Lamar (4) and Carmen (2), her nieces Susan Short (Steve), Kathi Prather (Bill), Charlotte Wiseman (Paul), and her loving neighbors. Though her illness and passing were sudden, she was at peace with the beautiful life she had lived and Gods calling her home. She was a model of strength, grace, and beauty. Her final days were filled with the company of her family and friends in the home where she lived all of her 76 years on this earth. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM Saturday, March 6, 2021, at the Bodkin Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be 12:00 PM until service time Saturday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a gift to one of Marys favorite charities, including the Milan Mustard Seed (PO Box: 634 Milan TN 38358); Milan First United Methodist Church (2000 Jones Blvd, Milan, TN 38358) or the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (secure.aspca.org/donate). Pending Arrangements Bodkin Funeral Home Saturday, March 06, 2021 2:00 PM 2000 South 1ST Milan, Tennessee 38358 Visitation 12-2 pm