Bonnie Collins (Nee Mullens)

Bonnie Collins (nee Mullens) , of Copley, Ohio passed away on January 2, 2024. Bonnie was born in Akron, Ohio. She graduated from South High School Class of 1949, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and she was also a graduate of The University of Akron where she received her associate degree in Secretarial Science (1964) and bachelor’s degree in science in Business Education (1971), graduating Summa Cum Laud. Bonnie was married to Eunice E. Collins on March 1, 1958. Bonnie worked at Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. from 1950 until her retirement in 1981. Over the years she held many positions including, Statistical Analyst, Human Resources Specialist and Employee Communications Specialist. In 1968 she represented Firestone in the National Alliance of Business, an organization dedicated to providing economic opportunities to the disadvantaged. In 1977, Bonnie received the Firestone Award of Excellence from Consumer Affairs for her dedication to the company and her outstanding customer service. After retiring she was a substitute teacher for the Akron Public Schools. In life, Bonnie always went out of her way to help others, her community and friends. She started in high school as a member of the Rainbow Girls, a social group of the Masonic Fraternity. Bonnie was also a 25 year member and officer in the Billow Chapter Order of Eastern Star. She was also a lifetime member and Royal Matron of the Order of Amaranth (1979) and served in many different officer positions. She is a member of the Gamma Chapter of Alpha Sigma Lambda and the International Honor Society of Beta Gamma Sigma, an organization which recognizes outstanding achievement in the business community. Bonnie is also a member of the Alpha Sigma Lambda Chapter whose aim is to recognize the special achievements of adults who accomplish academic excellence. Bonnie supported many local charities including the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Inmstitue, where she holds a passion for research in diabetes, breast cancer and heart. For many years Bonnie was an active member of the Akron Baptist Temple. In life Bonnie enjoyed reading, gardening and traveling throughout the United States.

Bonnie was preceded in death by her loving husband Eunice Collins, mother Vallie Mullens (Greenlee), grandparents Josie and Samuel Greenlee and many aunts and uncles. She is survived by close friends Bob Plazo of North Carolina, John and Dianne Marshall of Mogadore, Ohio and Betsy Dyer of Medina.

Funeral service will be at 2 PM on Friday January 5, 2024 at the Billow Funeral Home 85 N. Miller Rd. Fairlawn, Ohio 44333. Family and friends may visit from 12-2 PM prior to the service. Burial will take place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorial donations may be made to the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute for Diabetes Research.

Services in care of The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory, Fairlawn Chapel 85 N. Miller Road  Akron, OH  44333.