Geraldine Collins Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Geraldine Collins, 88, of Gilmer, was born December 6, 1933, in Hutchinson, Kansas to Gerald and Mildred Glover Stowell, and passed from this life June 27, 2022, in Gilmer, Texas. “I am so blessed!” she would say almost every time you talked to her. “I have wonderful children – you know that? I am so blessed!” Even in the throes of her cognitive decline from Alzheimer’s, this was the thing she wanted to be sure you knew about her. What we want you to know about her: competition-winning jitterbugger, avid fisherman, world traveler, business owner (Four Seasons Travel in Lake Jackson 1993-2008), best fried-shrimp chef anywhere, NASCAR and Houston Astros Fan. She was loved deeply by her surviving long-term companion, Mario Chapa. She is survived by her five children, ten grand-children and twenty-one great-grandchildren. • Cathy Harned and Ed of Wichita Kansas, daughter Alison Dick & Tyler with 3 children • Carol Thompson and Doyle of Pearland Texas with o Son Greg Thompson and Aimee with 2 children o Daughter Tamara Latham and Marshall with 4 children o Daughter Julie Deyo and Jason with 3 children • Fred VanEpps and Debbey of Gilmer, TX with o Daughter Denise Hayes and Rick with one child o Son Fred VanEpps IV and Sara with one child • Cindy VanEpps Pool and Greg of Golden, CO with o Daughter Sarah Christensen and Dane with 2 children o Son Brett Bohn and Rachel with 4 children • Dennis VanEpps and Valerie Collier of New Braunfels, TX with o Son Gerrit VanEpps and Kelsey Evans o Daughter Bethany Satchell-Sanchez and Carlos with one child With Mario she also took great joy in spending time with his children and their families: Roy James, Jason Chapa, Javier Chapa, and Mario Chapa Jr. (deceased). As a volunteer at the Brazosport Hospital in Lake Jackson, TX and an active member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Freeport, TX, she kept vibrant even in retirement. A Celebration of Life is being planned in September at the St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Freeport Tx. An announcement will follow. Remembrance donations can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, one of her favorite charities.

Geraldine Collins

December 6, 1933 - June 27, 2022