Clara Marie Collins
1957—2025
Clara Marie Collins, 68, of Tomahawk, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at U of L Health – Mary & Elizabeth Hospital in Louisville.
Born Jan. 19, 1957, in Columbus, Ohio, Clara was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph Mollett Sr. and Irene Sisco Mollett.
Clara grew up in Tomahawk surrounded by the love of her siblings and cousins. An avid learner, she loved school and was a voracious reader who devoured every book she could find. Clara also had a passion for music, which she shared with her brother Joe. Together, they performed at local venues, with Clara’s beautiful voice complementing Joe’s instrumental talent.
In December 1975, Clara began dating Billy Collins, and just a few months later, in February 1976, they married and started their life together. They faced hardships, nearly losing their family twice in the 1980s, but Clara’s faith and kindness helped her endure. In 1983, Clara dedicated her life to Jehovah and was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a moment that reflected her deep devotion to her Heavenly Father.
Clara loved her family fiercely and cherished time with her parents. In 1990, she and Billy welcomed their third child, Jeremy, completing their family. During the 1990s, while raising her family, Clara pursued her dream of becoming a nurse. Her dedication and hard work paid off when she graduated with honors at the top of her class.
Clara’s nursing career began at Highlands Regional Medical Center, where her compassionate care made her beloved by patients and colleagues alike. She treated every patient as she would her own family and built lasting friendships throughout her career. After many years of service, Clara retired in 2022, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and kindness.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, Clara’s love knew no bounds. She poured her heart into her family, her cooking, her ministry and her hobbies, which included reading, crocheting, photography and singing. Clara also loved to travel, particularly to the beach, and she found immense joy in sharing her faith, spreading God’s promises to those she met, whether door-to-door or in chance encounters.
Her grandchildren were the center of her world, and she adored watching them grow and celebrating their accomplishments. She found similar joy in her nieces’ and nephews’ graduations and weddings, always capturing these special moments with her camera. Clara’s faith in Jehovah’s promises, including the resurrection hope found in John 5:28, 29, provided her with strength and peace throughout her life.
In 2022, Clara was overjoyed when Billy dedicated his life to Jehovah, a spiritual milestone they shared with deep gratitude. She also witnessed her grandsons dedicate their lives to Jehovah in 2023, moments that brought her unparalleled happiness.
Clara was a true friend, a kind-hearted soul and a blessing to all who knew her. Her compassionate spirit and unwavering faith touched countless lives and will be remembered for years to come.
She is survived by her husband of 48 years, Billy Collins of Tomahawk; her children, Billie Goins of Frankfort and Amanda (James) McCoy and Jeremy (Leidi Valle) Collins, both of Tomahawk; and four beloved grandsons, Demetrius Goins, Ethan McCoy, Kipton McCoy and Lachlan Collins. Clara is also survived by her siblings, Clifford (Kay) Mollett of Kirkersville, Ohio, Doris Sester of Mansfield, Ohio, Joseph (Kimberly) Mollett of Meally and Linda (Lewis) Williamson and Brenda Scott, both of Delano, Tennessee, and a host of nieces, nephews and cherished friends. Her special sisters Shirley Blackburn, Polly Blackburn, Hannah Morris, Stephanie Vara and Emily Vara, as well as her “work sisters” and “daughters,” also held a special place in her heart.
Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025, at the Callaham Funeral Home in Inez, officiated by Ron Fitzsimmons. Arrangements were under the direction of Callaham Funeral Home.