Lorena (Camp) Collins

Lorena (Camp) Collins, of Gainesville, GA, passed away peacefully on her 98th birthday, Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28, 2024 at the NE Georgia Medical Center in Gainesville, with family at her side.

Lorena entered this world on November 28, 1926, in Vicksburg, Mississippi, the cherished daughter and only child of Earl McGrady Camp and Mamie (Tillman) Camp. The family later moved to Chunky, Mississippi, where Lorena grew up in a multi-generational household during the years of the Great Depression and World War II. Her father owned a service station and grocery store along U.S. 80, and it was while working in her father’s store that she gained the childhood nickname “Doodle.” She was affectionately known to her family later in life as “Memom.”

In 1951 she was united in marriage to Cecil Collins in Meridian, Mississippi, where Cecil was working for the newly formed Social Security Administration. His job took them to different locations before they settled in Gainesville in 1958, where they raised two sons and were active in their church and community. 

Lorena was a loving and devoted daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and a faithful member of Gainesville First Baptist Church for 60+ years, where she loved her church family.  Her spiritual gifts of service and giving were reflected in her dedication to the NE GA Medical Center, where her volunteerism was unmatched.  She served as a weekly volunteer for 57 years and over 26,000 hours of service until the COVID pandemic in 2020. In 2013 Lorena was awarded a Special Recognition Certificate by the US Congress, and a Commendation by the Governor of Georgia for her five decades of service, exemplifying “the best qualities of Georgia’s citizens” in her sincere devotion.  She was also the recipient of multiple service awards during her lifetime of loyal volunteer service.   

She loved tending to the many birds in her backyard, working puzzles, playing Bridge, and following the Atlanta Braves games on TV, however, her greatest love was for her family. She was a constant source of strength and support, truly the heart and matriarch of the family; a solid example of what it means to live a faithful Christian life. Lorena was known for her beautiful handwriting, and it was a delight to receive a hand-written card from her every Christmas, birthday, or anniversary; she took care to remember everyone. She mastered Facebook in her 80’s as a means of staying in touch with her family and friends.

Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Glen Collins (Celine) of Sun City Center, FL, and Andy Collins (Luanne) of Sautee Nacoochee, GA; seven grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, as well as many friends, neighbors, and family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, and Cecil, her husband of 54 years.

In lieu of flowers, Lorena requested a donation to The Ministry of Caring at First Baptist Church:
751 Green Street, Gainesville, GA 30501
Web: http://www.fbcgainesville.org/connect/adults/care-support/

To share a memory of Lorena or condolences for the family, visit: www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

Visitation will be held from 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday, December 5, 2024 at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel at Memorial Park Funeral Home. Funeral services are scheduled for 11:00 am on Friday, December 6, 2024 at the Gainesville First Baptist Church Chapel. Her body will lie in state from 10:00 -11:00 am Friday at the church prior to the service. Interment will follow at 2:30 pm in Choestoe Cemetery, 46 Choestoe Church Rd., Blairsville, Ga 30512.