Emma Iris Gurley Collins

Mrs. Emma Iris "Ikie" Gurley Collins, 87, of Mount Airy, joined her heavenly Savior on Saturday, January 10, 2015, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem. Mrs. Collins was born December 31, 1927, in Guilford County, to the late Annie Bowman and Paul Harrison Gurley. Mrs. Collins was preceded in death by two sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruby Gurley and Grayson Venable of Greensboro and Helen Paige Gurley and Bill Cheves of High Point; and a brother, Paul Harrison Gurley, Jr. of Long Beach. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, and grandmother, and had many special friends that dearly loved her. Her family deeply appreciates their support and love for her. She was a member of Calvary Baptist Church and a faithful servant. John 3:16 reads, "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." Iris leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Ray Dowling Collins, whom she married July 12, 1947; two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry Lee and Monica Collins of Mount Airy and Christopher Paul and Marcia Collins of Clemmons; three grandchildren, Brandon Collins of Mount Airy, Mary Collins Rose and her husband, Chris, of Kernersville, and Nick Collins of Clemmons; and three beloved nieces, whom she called her own, Cheryl Wrenn and great nephew Robbie Wrenn and Vicki White and great nephew David, all of Greensboro, and Jill Cheves Porter and her husband, David, and great nephews David and Will Porter of Matthews; and a special cousin, Betty Rice of High Point. The funeral service will be held Tuesday, January 13, 2015, at 11:00 AM at Moody Funeral Home Chapel in Mount Airy, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at the funeral home. Entombment will follow at the Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shriners Hospital for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103. If roses grow in heaven, Lord, please pick a bunch for me. Place them in our mother's arms and tell her they're from me. Tell her we love her and miss her and when she turns to smile, place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home and the Health Care Center at Bermuda Village for the compassionate care and love given to Ikie during her last six months. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.