Mrs. Crystal M. Collins, known by her family and friends as Chris, was born in Atmore, Alabama. She attended the Atmore Public Schools and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Crystal passed away peacefully May 26, 2015 at UAB Hospital. Crystal was employed as an Administrative Assistant with St. Vincent, Care First Services and prior to this employment she worked more than twenty years at UAB's Kirkland Clinic.
She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Clifford and Mary Montgomery (guardians), Rev. John and Elizabeth Thames, and her father, Willie James Montgomery.
Survivors include: her mother, Marsha English Tunstall; her husband of fourteen years, Joseph L. Collins, III; two sisters, Tracy Montgomery, Fontane, CA and Latanya Idley (Michael), Akron, OH; one brother, Michael Montgomery, Rancho Cucamonga, CA; two god children, Josulyn and Brandon Marshall, Birmingham, AL; five aunts, Finola Harvey, Mobile, AL, Mamie Gantt (Adam), Letha Walker and Johnnie Rudolph, all of Atmore, AL; one special aunt, Madaline Marshall (Anthony), Atmore, AL; two uncles, John Thames, Jr. (Loretta), Atmore, AL and Lewis Wilkerson, Deptford, NJ; two devoted college roommates/longtime friends, Dollecia White and Janice Ward; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law and a mother-in-law.
A prolific artist in a variety of media, Crystal had an insatiable interest in antiques with knowledge she loved to share. She also had an exquisite line of handmade jewelry known as Crystal Collins Creations.
Crystal was loved and will be remembered by many. Services will be held Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 10:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 708 - First Street South, followed by interment in Atmore, Alabama. Public viewing Friday, June 5, 2015 from 5:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Smith & Gaston Southside Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Our Lady of Fatima Catholic School. Smith & Gaston Southside directing.