Miriam Collins

Published 12:00 am Monday, May 3, 2010

Dr. Miriam Collins, age 85, of Montevallo, passed away May 1, 2010. Dr. Collins taught in the Kinesiology Department at the University of Montevallo from 1952-1987. She was born in Unadilla, Ga., and educated the public schools. She earned her B.S. degree from the Georgia College for Women. Dr. Collins received her M.S. degree from the University of Tennessee and her Ed.D from the University of Alabama.
Dr. Collins was honored for her distinguished teaching and professional contributions. Georgia College awarded her their “Alumni Achievement Award” and the University of Montevallo recognized her at the University’s Centennial Celebration.
The Alabama Special Olympics recognized her for her work and dedication as area director. She served as camp director of Girl Scout Camp Trico in Guntersville.
She served as president of the Alabama State Association for HPERD and as president of the Southern District AAHPERD. Dr. Collins was one of twelve professionals recognized for their contributions to the profession by the American Alliance for HPERD as part of their Centennial celebration. Dr. Collins was nationally known for her contributions in camping and outdoor education.
She has been a member of the Montevallo Civitan Club since 1981 and received their Civitan-of-the-Year honor.
She is survived by her close friend, Linda Cicero; long time friends, Joni Pepper, Claude Harrell, Mary Bentley and John Cicero; sisters, Dr. Patricia C. Everett and Dr. Martha Collins-Brooks; 11 nieces and nephews, 15 great nieces and nephews and three great-great nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her sister, Geraldine C. McNeill; her brother, Dr. Robert A. Collins Jr.; her father, Robert A. Collins Sr. and her mother, Lillie H. Patterson.
A gathering to celebrate her life will be held May 5, 2010, from 1-4 p.m. at Rockco Funeral Home in Montevallo. In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to The Miriam Collins Memorial fund for Environmental Education at Ebenezer Wetlands, University of Montevallo Foundation, Station 6220, Montevallo, AL 35115.
Please send condolences to Rockcofuneralhomes.com.
Rockco Funeral Home Montevallo directed.