Dorothy Jean Collins, known to many as Dorthy, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Baptist Health in Corbin, Kentucky.
Born on August 11, 1955, in Knox County, Kentucky, Dorthy lived her life radiating warmth and kindness. Dorthy lived a life marked with kindness, generosity, and a love for God and family.
She spent her professional life as a dedicated Merchandise Receiver with JC Penny in Corbin, a role she filled with diligence and a unique knack for detail. She also served her community with pride as an EMT with Knox County Ambulance, an experience that allowed her to touch many lives in their time of need. She was also recognized as a Kentucky Colonel for her significant contributions to her community, a testament to her benevolent spirit and service. In her personal life, she was a vibrant and active member of Hopewell Baptist Church, where she played guitar.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Lawson and Earsie Owens Lawson; and by her “mom’ Rita Lawson.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Raymond Collins, who she married on May 8, 1971. She is also survived by her Brothers, Walter Lawson, Charles Lawson, Freddy Lawson, Johnny Lawson, and Paul Lawson; her sisters, Lovella Donaldson, Sheila Hampton, Roberta Montgomery, Sherry Wolf, and Yvonne Krogman; several nieces, nephews, cousins, her church family, and by many friends, including her bonus family Crissy, Betsy, Russell, Mark, Brooke, Brinley, Paisley, Grayson, and Kyria.
Visitation for Dorthy will be held at Hopewell Baptist Church from 11am until 12noon on Saturday March 21, 2026. Her funeral service will begin at 12noon with Rev. Dennis McCoy and Rev. Shane Martin officiating.
Burial will follow in the Hart Cemetery in Corbin, Kentucky.
Arrangements by the Vankirk-Grisell Funeral Home, where messages may be written to the family at vankirkgrisellfuneralhome.com
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