Corena Collins

Corena Collins of Arnold, Missouri passed away December 2, 2023, in St. Louis, Missouri at the age of 88 years. She was born January 18, 1935, in Success, Arkansas, the daughter of the late Donald and Gusty (Hovis) Wilson. On December 6, 1952, she was united in marriage to David Edward Collins who preceded her in death on August 8, 2003. To this union three children were born: Reda Adams of Leasburg, Missouri, David “Keith” Collins who preceded her in death, and Bradley Collins of Arnold, Missouri. Corena is also survived by five grandchildren: Doug, Stephanie, Stacy, Shelia, and Renee, and numerous great grandchildren. Three sisters are also left to mourn her passing: Dorothy Cato of Doniphan, Missouri, Mamie Brown also of Doniphan, Missouri, and Linda Collins of Tennessee. Many nieces and nephews also survive. In addition to her parents, husband, and son, Corena was preceded in death by five brothers: Johnny Wilson, Jerry Wilson, Hurlin Wilson, Douglas Wilson and Michael Wilson, and four sisters: Gina Heslep, Nadine Pyles, Sharon McKenny, and Rose Schnurr. Corena was a loving wife and mother, and her family meant the world to her. She always made sure her kids and grandkids had everything they needed. She was also very close to her brothers, sisters, and parents. If they ever needed help with something, and she could help, she would, no matter what. She liked to garden, raising vegetables and flowers of all kinds. In the evening after resting on the porch watching the sun go down, she would crochet, embroidery, quilt and put together different puzzles with her family. She also loved playing cards, board games, barbecuing and hanging out at the river or in the backyard with family and friends, just enjoying all life had to give. Once it was time to focus on retirement, she and David purchased some property in Iron County, near Annapolis, to be closer to her kids and grandkids. Their plan was to fix up the property and eventually build their retirement home, but unfortunately due to deaths in the family, that dream did not come to pass. She sold the property to her granddaughter, Stephanie German, to keep it in the family. It was very important to Corena for their family to have a place to call home and this was the place for the extended family to begin building their own lives, where they could love and raise their own families. It gave her great joy to see them living there still today. Corena lived the remainder of her life in Arnold, Missouri, where she and David built a beautiful life and home since 1967. After David passed, her son Bradley cared for her, with help from her daughter Reda, until her passing. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at 12:00 p.m. with Pastor Ryan Nichols officiating. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will be in Annapolis Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Annapolis Cemetery Association. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.brysonfuneralhome.com.