her home with her three sons at her side. She leaves behind her sons, Leighton Collins ( Mona)
of Bullhead Arizona, Burton Collins (Margaret) of Franklin Tennessee and Lawrence Collins
(Karen) of Park Ridge IL; her five grandchildren, Christopher Collins (Jamee Collins),
Madison Collins, Jessica Muscarello (Kevin Muscarello), Erika Collins, and Kevin Lawrence
Collins. Great Grandchildren, Nick Esterguard, Caley Collins, Drew Collins, Kingston Collins,
and Maddox Collins. She is preceded in death by her parents Luna Belle and Hulbert Crute of
Monticello.
In 1969 Norma Jean Founded and Directed South Suburban Youth Hotline in Park Forest IL.
Through the years she helped thousand of youths recover from problems including drug
addiction, parental abuse, rape, bullying, attempted suicide just to name a few. She trained a
staff of volunteers to lend a caring ear to those in need of someone to talk to, someone to
listen, someone to help; Someone Cares, was her motto. Under her directions Hotline's crisis
intervention services helped many young people reach their full potential. In 2004 she was
honored for her volunteer work with an induction into the Park Forest Hall of Fame.
Norma Jean grew up in Wilmar AR, as a child she would entertain at social gatherings, singing
and dancing as Lil Miss Norma Jean. She moved to Monticello as a young teen where she had
several jobs, ranging from working as an assistant mechanic in her dads Service Station, in
sales at his appliance store and as a medical assistant at the local Doctors office. In 1950 she married George Collins of Fordyce and they had three sons Leighton Pierce, Burton Banks, and Lawrence Holmes. After raising her boys in Chicago she returned to Monticello to take care of her ailing parents. After this part of her life, her years were filled with fun and adventure such as visiting her grandchildren, often attending weddings and witnessing new births. She even took time out to executive produce The LA Drama Critique's award winning play, Chapter Two. Her interest in the Entertainment Industry led to her to an appointment as Director for the Arkansas State Film Commission. She was profound, she was strong, she fought bravely for what she believed in. She loved her family with a passion and if she ever met anyone without a smile, she gave them one of hers.
Graveside service for Mrs. Collins will be 4:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, AR. Online guestbook at www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(10)
Lana Martin
Monticello, AR Friday, May 7, 2021 My condolences to the family and each member that lost their loved one.Mark Ray
, AR Tuesday, April 27, 2021 Leighton, my sympathy to you and all your family. Norma had a wonderful spirit and I enjoyed working with her when she did film commission work. God’s blessings to all, you have my sympathy.Elgenia/Jim Ross
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 27, 2021 A gift to SE Arkansas who will truly be missed by allElgenia/Jim
James Hales
Monticello, AR Tuesday, April 27, 2021 So sorry for your passing of your loved one , I have had the privilege to have many visits over the years with Ms Collins , I loved her stories of her life and travels , such a sweet and wonderful lady . Fly high dear friend !Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, TX Monday, April 26, 2021 I am sorry for your loss. I remember Mr. Hulbert from when I was a child. I also remember when Mrs. Norma Jean came back here to take care of her parents. She was a beautiful lady! You have my prayers and sympathy at this sad time!Carol Parker Alder
Saint Anne, IL Monday, April 26, 2021 My neighbor, Sunday school teacher and family friend.Always a place in my memories and heart.
Thank you for all your love.
Karen Caldwell
Jeanerette, LA Monday, April 26, 2021 Leighton, Larry, Burton.....Jason and I are so very sad to hear of Mrs. Collins passing. We were so very fortunate that we were able to have her in our lives. We have so many very fond memories of our time spent with her, and they will not soon be forgotten. She was a one of a kind lady and one that made a definite mark and lasting impression in our lives.From her "Arkansas kids", big hugs and much love to the family,
Jason & Karen Caldwell
Peg
Franklin, TN Monday, April 26, 2021 Thank you for all that you did for us!Madison Collins
, TX Monday, April 26, 2021 May she be dancing with the squirrels 💓Leslie
Monticello, AR Saturday, April 24, 2021 I will sure miss you ! You were an outstanding woman that I am proud to say was my friend! Love you Ms Norma... Fly High!