Longtime resident of Tyler, TX, Daye Dunn Collins, died October 30,2024 in
hospice care in Austin, TX. She was born in Austin on July 1, 1948 to Roy Sylvan
and Elaine Dunn. She spent her early years growing up in Lubbock where her
father was the director of the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech University. She
was a twirler and attended Monterrey High School and graduated from Coronado
High School in 1966. After high school, Daye moved a bit, before landing in
Atlanta, GA where she worked for the ABC affiliate and made other stops in the
world of television and radio before settling in Tyler in the 1970’s. At the time she
was married to Dale Palmer and they bought a historical home in the Azalea
District. She and Dale organized a rowdy group of friends to do a take-off of the
Rose Festival which they held in the spring. There was always an unauthorized
parade through the Azalea District and a king and queen where crowned every
year. During this time, Daye opened her own successful advertising agency and
got more involved in good causes. She was a long standing supporter and board
member for the Tyler Civic Theatre and also acted and directed in many plays
over the years. She helped organize the McClendon House Society, which
purchased and restored the old Victorian home. She spent many years as the
official presenter of the Honorees at the annual Women in Tyler luncheon during
Women’s History Month. She, herself, was honored as an Outstanding Woman in
Tyler, after her retirement. She was instrumental in saving the historic oaks on
Broadway Ave. in Tyler, during construction of the road. She was also active in
Smith Co. Historical Society. She was a co-owner and operator of the family ranch,
DBar Land and Cattle, LLC., that’s been in her family since the 1880’s. She is also a
descendent of the McCoy’s, who settled Gonzales Co. in the 1820’s, with one of
whom defended and died at the Alamo.
In 1995, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at
Tyler and went on to teach history at TK Gorman High School for 15yrs. She was a
favorite teacher and many students developed a love of history because of her.
She also developed many friendships with faculty and staff that lasted many
years. Daye was an extensive world traveler with friends, family, and students and
loved history and a good adventure!
For 25 years, Daye was married to Glenn Collins, an attorney with the Ramey
Flock Firm, who passed away in October of 2014. She and Glenn would host their
nieces and nephews most summers and had an annual Christmas party that was
enjoyed by all. She was a founding member of the Yeehaw Divas and also the
infamous Tyler Goddesses.
Daye is survived by her sister, Janet Dunn Adams and brother Roy Dunn and wife
Leeann, all of Austin. Plus, nieces Jessica Day Williamson and husband David,
Nicole Dunn Brandon and husband Paul, and Heather Dunn McCormick and
husband Kyle, Kate Brooks Carroll and Kim Brooks Davidson; and nephews Chase
Sylvan Dunn and Nathan Roy Dunn and wife Emily. She is also survived by great
nieces and nephews Kaitlyn and Kason Dunn, Khloe Brandon, Oliver, Garrett, and
Gentry Williamson, Liam and Braylee McCormick. And step children Todd Collins
and Hillary Collins Polly. She is also survived by her aunts Roma Jean Cunningham
and Joycelyn Pratt.
Daye Collins’ funeral will be held in Nixon, TX at Finch Funeral Chapel, Sunday
November 3rd at 12p. If desired, please make donations to one of her favorite
charities: Tyler Civic Theatre, The McClendon House or Hospice of East Texas.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Daye, please visit our floral store.
Longtime resident of Tyler, TX, Daye Dunn Collins, died October 30,2024 in
hospice care in Austin, TX. She was born in Austin on July 1, 1948 to Roy Sylvan
and Elaine Dunn. She spent her early years growing up in Lubbock where her
father was the director of the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech University. She
was a twir