Obituary of Shirley Garrett Collins

Hillsborough - Shirley Garrett Collins, 76, of Schley Rd. Hillsborough, passed away Saturday, March 25, 2017 at the home of her daughter Debra in Rougemont, NC. Ms. Collins was born in Granville County and attended Granville County Schools. She was an office manager for several pest control companies prior to her retirement as an office manager for Minta Bell Interior Design. Retired for many years, Ms. Collins was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her creativity shined through in everything she did. She was an avid reader, also possessing a passion for writing. She found the most joy however, in spending time with her grandchildren, to whom she dedicated endless time and attention. Ms. Collins had a hand in the up-bringing of many, often being considered a "second mom" to all of her Children's close friends throughout the years. As matriarch of her family, she loved to host every family event, always going out of her way to make each occasion special and bring her family together. Ms. Collins was one-of-a-kind. An extremely special lady, who's generosity, class, and beauty was unparalleled. Ms. Collins was very loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. Ms. Collins is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Lila Arrington Garrett, her daughter, Kimberly Carden, two brothers: Fred and Hoover and a sister Eunice. Left to cherish her memory is her companion of forty-seven years, Fred Perry, her daughters, Debra C. Abney (Joseph) of Rougemont, Allison Collins of Durham, a son, Gregory P. Riley of Hillsborough, five grandchildren: Shannon Blake, Britney Sineath, Jared Riley, Melissa Holt, and Miranda Nations, four great-grandchildren: Chiara Holt, Chloe Holt, Mason Holt and Tycen Sineath, three sisters: Sylvia Beasley, Marie Brown (Ralph) and Deverne Ray, daughter-in-law, Deanna Riley, step-daughter Ellen Nations of Nashville, TN, and lifelong friend Teresa Testerman. The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM, Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at Walker's Funeral Home Chapel, 204 N. Churton St. Hillsborough, NC. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 AM, Thursday, March 30, 2017 at Bethany Baptist Church Cemetery, 245 Bethany Church Rd. Rougemont, NC 27572; Rev. David Smith officiating. Walker's Funeral Home of Hillsborough is honored to serve the Collins family. Online condolences may be made at www.walkersfuneralservice.com.