Dorothy (Hyde) Collins

Dorothy (Dot or Dottie) Collins, age 83 passed away at Graham Healthcare and Rehab Center Wednesday, October 24, 2018 after an eight-year battle with kidney failure.  She was a native of Robbinsville, NC and was the daughter of the late Robert Virgil Hyde and Thelma Hooper Hyde.  She was preceded in death by her twin sister Doris Godwin, her sister Regina Hyde Willis and her brothers Phillip Hyde and Reid Hyde.  

Dottie is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 65 years, Earl (Bud) Collins, her son Larry Collins and his wife Pixie Collins of Jerome, Idaho, her daughter Lesa Wilson and husband Donald Wilson of Las Cruces, New Mexico and her granddaughter Denali Wilson of Albuquerque, NM.  She is also survived by her sister Hazel Hayes of Gastonia, NC.

Dottie met Bud in Robbinsville and they were married in 1953.  As a career Army family, they lived in Georgia, Washington state, Hawaii, Italy, and then returned to Washington state where they lived until 1991.  Dot, Larry & Lesa lived in North Carolina near family while Bud was on active duty in Korea, Alaska and Vietnam.  Dottie and Bud finally returned to their hometown of Robbinsville, NC where they have lived happily for the past 28 years.

Dottie was a beautiful lady with a big smile.  She had a generous spirit.  She adored babies and young children and besides being a wonderful mother, she loved to babysit for many other families.  She and Bud spent many days out fishing and picnicking throughout the years.  Dottie had years of retail sales experience in the clothing and jewelry industries and once back in North Carolina, she managed the jewelry store in Andrews and then had her own jewelry business.  At the time of her death, she was neck and neck in her rummy match with Bud.

At Dottie’s request, no services are planned but Bud would welcome visitors and phone calls.  We thank all the friends and family for their thoughts and prayers these past few weeks and loving support over the years.

Townson-Smith Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Collins family.  An online register is available at www.townson-smithfuneralhome.com.