Cuma Dykes Collins

Cuma Dykes Collins, 86, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, February 24, 2010, at Wellington Place of Greeneville. Cuma grew up in Kingsport, where she met and married her high school sweetheart, Jack M. Collins, in 1948. They raised their family in Bristol, TN. Cuma loved children, and was a kindergarten teacher for 15 years. She poured her life into her family and friends, and will be greatly missed by all.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; a brother, Gordon Dykes; and a sister, Audrey Dykes Speer.

Survivors include son, Stephen J. Collins, of Kingsport; daughters Gretchen Collins Early, and husband Mike, of Richmond Hill, GA, and Gina Collins Downey and husband Greg, of Greeneville, TN; grandchildren Bethany Early Falde and husband Cory, Rachel Early, Elizabeth Early, Jonathan Michael Early, Sarah Downey Stultz and husband, Aaron, Lindsey Downey Hasty and husband Jeremy, Garrett Downey, and Stephen Downey; sisters, Clanthe Dykes and Wanda Dykes Morelock; several nieces and nephews, and special friends.

Services will be conducted on Saturday, February 27, at 11:00 a.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:00 p.m. following the service.

Graveside services will be conducted on Sunday at noon at East Lawn Memorial Park. Stephen Collins, Greg Downey, Mike Early, Michael Early, Trevor Morelock, and Brent Morelock will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Stephen Downey and Garrett Downey.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.