Jenny Collins

Jenny Collins passed away peacefully in her sunny Florida home in the late afternoon of July 23rd 2016. She spent her final days strolling down memory lane with her beloved children and long time companion Larry Quarles. A lifelong country music fan, and much like the legendary Loretta Lynn, she loved to sing, could play guitar and was proud to call herself a real “Coal Miner’s Daughter”. Born and raised in Huddy, Kentucky by Mother Verdie Kinser and Father Cal Collins. However, when Jenny was only 6 years old her father tragically died in a coal mining accident. Her mother was remarried to Carl Blevins and they continued to have more children. Jenny is preceded by her parents, step-father, and siblings which include: Quentin, Ernie, Corinne, Carl Rae, Bonita, and Jane. She is also survived by her brother Julius and sister Linda. In 1953, Jenny married Glenn Davis, a fellow classmate at Belfry High School. She moved to Springfield Ohio where her husband worked as carpenter before he was drafted into the Army. Pregnant with their first child, Jenny headed to Bristol, Tennessee to live with her mother while her husband completed basic training. After daughter Debbie was born, the family was reunited and stationed at the Oklahoma City Army Base. Later they were transferred to Fort Hood, Texas where daughter Connie was born. Once Glenn’s service was complete, he moved the family back to Ohio to resume his work as a carpenter. It was during this time that Jenny attended her Aunt Mabel’s beauty school and earned her degree in cosmetology. Three more children sprung up in Springfield including Glenn Jr., Tom, and Libby. They finally moved to Ypsilanti, Michigan where Jenny opened her first salon and their 6th child Vicki was born, before parting ways. Jenny had a passion for doing hair and conversing with her clients. She touched many lives over her 30 year career and opened multiple salons with her second husband Jack Graf. They had a son named Shawn and moved the whole family down to Daytona Beach Florida. She continued to wander around the U.S, living in seven different states throughout her life while raising seven children. She was a free spirit, certified pilot and world traveler, fondly recounting her trips to Germany and Hawaii. Her later years were spent as a merchant of old-time treasures at local Flea Markets, making home cooked southern meals, and watching her favorite TV shows. Along with her children she leaves behind countless grandchildren and great grandchildren all who loved her very much. Memorial Services will be held 11:30 AM Friday, July 29, 2016, at First Freewill Baptist Church, 1244 Holmes Rd., Ypsilanti, MI 48198.  Graveside Services and burial will follow at 12:30 PM Friday, July 29, 2016, at Highland Cemetery, 943 River St., Ypsilanti, MI 48198 where she will be laid to rest near to her siblings.  Arrangements have been entrusted to J. Gilbert Purse funeral Home, Adrian, MI. 49221.. In lieu of flowers funeral donations can be mailed to Glenn Davis Jr. at 8057 Textile Rd. Ypsilanti, MI 48197.