Mary Jean Collins

Published 3:31 pm Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Bowling Green – Mary Jean Collins, of Bowling Green, KY entered into rest Tuesday, April 11, 2017. The Simpson County native was born June 6, 1931 and was the daughter of the late Lee Bayles and Virginia Loafman Bayles. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.W. Collins. Mary Jean held a brief job at what was called the Derby Underwear Company in 1949, where 2nd honor in the Derby Beauty Show went to a ‘beautiful little blond haired girl.’ Later that year she married her husband, J.W. Collins. They were married 65 years. She went on to become a homemaker who loved to decorate, shop, and grow beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed bowling with her girlfriends and was a member of the Breakfast Club League at Crescent Lanes. She was a faithful member of First Church of the Nazarene and sang in the choir for many years. She is preceded in death by her daughter, Diane Bostick; four brothers, Robert Bayles, James Bayles, William Bailey Bayles, and Fred Bayles; and two sisters: E velyn Buchanan, and Louise West. She is survived by her daughter, Wendy Borders and her husband Terry, of Bowling Green, KY; two sisters Jo Ann Tabor and her husband Joe Billy of Rockfield, KY and Christine Strack of Houston, TX; five grandchildren, Heather Smith, Heath Bostick, Blake Allen, Betsy Robison, and Jake Borders. She is also survived by 3 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. In addition one very special nephew, Dr. Mike Collins who showed great love and compassion over the many years he cared for her. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 15, 2017 at 10:00 AM at J.C. Kirby & Son Lovers Lane Chapel with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery #2. Visitation will be Friday, April 14 from 4:00 – 8:00 PM at the funeral home.