Kay F. Collins

Rev. Kay F. Collins

Born April 3, 1942 (Good Friday) in Milledgeville, Georgia

Died January 22, 2023 in Crest Hill, Illinois

Kay F. Collins,  age 80,  passed away Sunday, January 22, 2023 at her friends Mark and Jina Ballard’s home, where she had been living and cared for.

Born April 3, 1942 to John and Lucille (Kersey) Collins.  She was raised in Milledgeville, Georgia.

Kay attended Young Harris College in Young Harr, GA., Scarritt College in Nashville, TN and then St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City, MO.  She graduated with a Masters Degree in Theology.  After graduation, she went to Alabama, serving 7 years as a church and community worker for the Board of Missions for the United Methodist Church.

Kay began in 1974 as the Chaplain of Silver Cross Hospital in Joliet, IL and continued working through the building of the new Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL.  She was the Chaplain of the hospital for 40 years, retiring in 2014.  She also volunteered for Childerguild and Encore Shop at Silver Cross Hospital during and after she retired.

Kay was at one time on the Board of United Way, the committee for Senior Citizens Center, Stepping Stones and the Aids Ministry all in Joliet, IL.

Kay did a lot of guest preaching on Sundays for many Presbyterian Churches in Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties for 49 years.  She filled in for Pastors on vacations and when a church was between ministers.  She did this while working her full time Chaplain position at Silver Cross Hospital.

Kay touched many lives as she shared her time, talent, humor and southern accent throughout the communities.

Preceded in death by her father, John Collins (1975); her mother Lucille Collins (1999); close friend and caregiver, Joyce Hendrix.

Survived by her sister, Annette Ingram (Lawrenceville, GA); three nephews, Lee, Derek (late Teresa) Ingram and Greg (Cherryann) Ingram.  Two great nieces, Desiree Shipp and Angela Ingram; one great nephew, Christian Ingram.  Three great great nieces and numerous cousins.  Also survived by very special friends Mark and Jina Ballard and Drue Ballard.  Kay also considered her Encore Shop and Childreguild Shop ladies as her extended family.

Visitation for Kay F. Collins will be held Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 9:00 a.m. till 11:00 a.m. at the Blackburn-Giegerich-Sonntag Funeral Home.  Funeral Service will be Thursday at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will take place at Floral Hills Memory Garden, 3000 Lawrenceville Hwy., Tucker, GA 30084 on February 8, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Encore Shop or Childerguild Gift Shop at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, IL or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1015 Winthrop Ave., Joliet, IL 60435.