Darlene Collins

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Her family remembers a home rich with love, imagination, and tradition.

Wanda Darlene Collins, of Denton, Texas, passed away on September 29, 2026, in Denton. She was born on August 31, 1935, in Denton, and her life was marked by deep devotion to her family, steady involvement in her children’s lives, and a creative spirit that filled her home with warmth and lasting memories.

Darlene was a mother who stayed closely connected to the day-to-day world of her children. She was well acquainted with their teachers and their activities, and she poured herself into both school and family life with energy and care. While her children attended T.G. Terry Elementary, she served in the PTA and later served as PTA president, giving her time and attention to the school community in a way that reflected her generous heart and her commitment to children.

Her family remembers a home rich with love, imagination, and tradition. After her husband returned from the Korean War, he moved the family to Dallas, Texas, where they lived in the Oak Cliff area on a half-acre lot shaded by trees. Among them was a pear tree that became part of family life; its fruit was made into pear preserves. In the large tree at the back corner of the yard, Tommy built a double-decker tree house, adding yet another layer of adventure and memory to the home that Wanda nurtured.

Every Christmas, her kitchen became a cookie factory, with peanut butter cookies and gingerbread among the favorites. She also made a costume for each child every year, including a burlap Indian costume for Tommy, showing the creativity and loving attention that touched so many ordinary days and made them unforgettable. Even her time as PTA president brought moments her family treasured, including a program in which she performed as a Flapper, a memory that always brought smiles.

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Every Christmas, her kitchen became a cookie factory, with peanut butter cookies and gingerbread among the favorites.

One of Darlene's most profound memories was when she was in attendance at a luncheon on November 22, 1963, and was seated at a table waiting for President Kennedy to arrive. Of course, he never arrived, as he was shot in downtown Dallas. She served as the President of the Carpenters Union Auxiliary, which is why she received an invitation.

Darlene will be remembered for being creative, involved, and wholeheartedly present. She made family life vibrant and welcoming, and the memories she created continue to live in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her children, Sheila Collins, Tommy Collins and Carnelia Blazo and husband Steve; siblings, Joyce Allison and Tomie Bell Meadows. She is also survived by her grandchildren who called her Marm Marm, William Collins, Ben Collins, Megan LaPell, Molly Trowbridge and Melissa Coltman, their spouses and thirteen great-grandchildren. In addition, she has many nieces and nephews who will remember her with love.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Alex Collins; son, Curtis Collins; her sister, Amelia Smith; and her brothers, Charlie Arnold and Bill Arnold.

Visitation will be held on October 30, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors, 2025 W University Dr, Denton, Texas 76201. A memorial service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at Bill DeBerry Funeral Directors.

Wanda Darlene Collins will be remembered with love for the life she built around family, for the joy she brought to everyday moments, and for the care she gave so freely to those around her.