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Daye Collins Obituary

Brought to you by Finch Funeral Chapel, LLC

Daye Collins

Nixon, Texas

July 1, 1948 - October 30, 2024

Daye Collins Obituary

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

Events

First Visitation

Sunday, November 3, 2024

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Finch Funeral Chapel - Nixon

308 East Third Street Nixon, TX 78140

Service

Sunday, November 3, 2024

1:00 pm

Finch Funeral Chapel - Nixon

308 East Third Street Nixon, TX 78140

Final Resting Place

Nixon Cemetery

1106 E. 2nd Street Nixon, TX 78140

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