Betty Jean (Lewis) Collins passed peacefully after a brief illness on April 21, 2026, at the age of 81 years (but those who knew her swear she always said she was 39). Betty was loved and venerated by friends and family, and she was a long-time Batesville resident.
Born in Plumtree, IN, on March 17, 1945, to Velma (Johnson) Lewis and William Allen Lewis, Betty and her husband of almost 64 years, Sammy D. Collins, raised two children, Steven W. Collins (Leanne) and Kelli Jo Collins, with joy, love, and laughter. The family has grown to include four grandchildren, Evan Eugene Ramsey, Justin Lee Ramsey, Samuel Hall Collins, Mary Elizabeth Collins, and one great-grandchild, Skylar Lee Ramsey. She is survived by a brother, Paul Edward Lewis (Judy) of Warren, IN, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Michael Glen Lewis and Raymond Lewis, as well as her parents.
A founding member of Southside Assembly of God, “Queen” Betty taught young adult and adult Sunday School classes for over forty years. “Miss” Betty continued her service teaching pre-K at Southside Christian Academy to children she adored and who adored her in return.
Batesville Community Theatre, where Betty served as a board member for 25 years, remembers Betty as the heartbeat of a place. She showed up with more energy than anyone else in the room. She was a joy, she was love, she was “Where do you need me?” before you could even ask. Somewhere in the middle of all that, she’d make you laugh, hug your neck, and keep everything running.
Visitation will be at Willis Funeral Home, Batesville, AR, on Monday, April 27, from 5–7 pm. Service will be on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, at 10 am at Willis Funeral Home. Friends and family members are welcome.
Pallbearers will be Justin Ramsey, Samuel Collins, Chris Martin, Jay Runyan, DeWayne Stott, and Steve Flood.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Southside Assembly of God or Batesville Community Theatre are appreciated.
