Leola Mae Collins, the sixth child of Fred and Lovie Gardner, Sr., was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma August 25, 1936. This precious larvae of a little girl, developed into a beautiful butterfly, who spread her wings and covered more than 84 miles of life's territory on God's great earth.

She cocooned into a nature lover at heart and was often called "Mother Nature" by her friends. She developed into an artist, student and teacher, and beautician. Leola developed an interest in her father's livelihood of upholstering, where she learned the trade from him, becoming so professional that she established her own business as an upholsterer and seamstress. Yes, all the siblings knew she became and deserved to be "daddy's girl." She was a devoted wife and queen, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, who was respected and loved by all who knew her.

As she developed into a beautiful, lovely butterfly, her growth included: Attending and graduating from DuBois High School, Summit, Oklahoma, where she loved music, sang in the schools chorus and was a member of the trio, "The Gardner Sisters." They sang popular songs by " The McGuire Sisters" and competed in high school and college competitions, winning many first-place awards. Leola was crowned "Miss DuBois" by her school and classmates. Learning from her mother she became a fantastic cook, specializing in her sweet potato pies and peach cobblers. Her brown beans tasted just like the ones mother made.

At an early age, Leola accepted Christ and became a member of St. Thomas Baptist Church. Later in life she joined Second Christian Church, Disciples of Christ. After the dissolution of Second Christian, she joined Faith Love Baptist Church, Muskogee, Oklahoma, and was a member there until her death on February 18, 2021.

In June 1956, Leola married Alvernon Collins. They were the fifth couple in the family to carry on the tradition of celebrating 50 years or more of marriage. The couple was blessed with two sons, Ferrell Lee Collins of Wagoner, Oklahoma and Avery G. Collins of Muskogee, Oklahoma and five grandchildren and four great grandchildren to cherish her memory.

Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and six siblings. She leaves to mourn her passing, sons, Ferrell Lee and Avery; siblings, DeRutha Richardson, Mary Owens, and Rev. Johnny L. Gardner, all of Muskogee; nieces-sister: Paulette Asberry, Tulsa; Sylvia Foster, Muskogee; and Gloria Gunn, Tulsa; five grandchildren; brother-in-law, Earl Baker, Sr., a special niece, Jennifer Gardner, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. Leola loved her family dearly and treasured each family member.

A Home Going Celebration will be conducted, Friday February 26,2021 at 1:00 P.M. in the Precious Memories Chapel of House of Winn Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Booker T. Washington cemetery.  Public visitation, Thursday, February 25th in the chapel, during the hours of 1:00 P.M. until 6 P.M.

MASKS WEARING MANDATORY AT ALL SERVICES

The family has been cared for by, House of Winn Funeral Home-Muskogee.