Polly Davidson Collins went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Sept. 11, at her home. Polly was born Oct. 17, 1931, to Murrie and Lucy Pettway Davidson. After her mother’s death when Polly was just one, she was raised by Virgil and Margie King Davidson until their passing. Polly was left to raise herself at the age of 16. She attended school at Redwood High School, where she was a class beauty and worked at a local cleaners on Cherry Street. During the 1950’s, Polly met the love of her life, James Gray “Mike” Collins, when he would volunteer to referee basketball games at a local high school. They continued their courtship when Mike would come to Vicksburg to go to his Army Reserve meetings. After graduation, she moved to Rolling Fork and began a career with the Mississippi Forestry Commission at East Prong for several years. She then began working as church secretary at First Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, where she remained a member until her passing.

She married the love of her life, James Gray “Mike” Collins Sept. 18, 1955. They made a loving home and welcomed the birth of their daughter, Sharon in 1960. Several years later they became foster parents to another daughter, Kaye. Both daughters were raised with love, compassion and as Christians.

As Polly and Mike  grew older, they spent their time traveling with friends and family and following their grandchildren to their sporting and dancing events across the state. She also loved attending Mississippi State ballgames with her family. Polly continued the tradition of going to see her grandchildren play after Mike’s death. The Lord and her family were her priorities. She also volunteered with the Pink Ladies at River Region Hospital in Vicksburg for several years.

She is survived by daughters, Sharon Bass (John) and Kaye Stuart (Morris); grandchildren, Phillip Bass (Rachael), Heather Ford (Michael), Kyle Bass (Katie) and Garret Stuart; great-grandchildren, Blake, Parker and Rosemary Bass, Bo and Jesse Ford; sister, Betty Stout; and special family friend, Barbara Woods.

Active pallbearers are John Bass, Morris Stuart, Phillip Bass, Kyle Bass, Garret Stuart and Michael Ford.

Services will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday September 18, at First Baptist Church in Rolling Fork, with the burial following at Mound Cemetery in Rolling Fork.

Donations may be made in her honor to the First Baptist Church, Rolling Fork.