Mary Jo Ashby Collins

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28) These words inspired Mary Jo Collins throughout her journey of faith. Mary Jo went home to be with her Heavenly Father on January 27, 2025. 

 Mary Jo Collins was the beloved daughter of the late Frank T. Ashby and Josephine Long Ashby, and sister to the late Barbara Ashby Buckner and Jacquiline Ashby Odom. She was preceded in death by her cherished son, Christopher “Duffy” Collins, and her husband, Bruce E. Collins. She is survived by her loyal canine companion, Sir Boogie.

 She is also survived by her sister, Judy Ashby Perry; her nephew and niece, Michael T. (Meredith) Buckner of Durham, NC, and Wendy Buckner(Jonathan) Apple, great nieces & nephew, Caroline Apple Henry (Cassie Henry), great nephew, William Buckner Apple, Margaret Lacy Apple of Greensboro, NC; her companion, Hal Schaefgen of Whitsett NC; and dearest friends Christopher Todd (Jennifer) Benkosky of Burlington & Carissa Lynn Benkosky (who has always called me Grandma Jo) of Burlington, NC; best friend in the world, Patricia Wilson (Calvin) Biddix of Reidsville, and Jennifer (Jason & Hudson) Stacey of Elon NC.

 Mary Jo grew up in Rocky Mount, NC, and was educated in the Rocky Mount City Schools, graduating with the class of 1965. She attended Pitt Community College and UNC Chapel Hill, where she remained an avid Carolina fan until her passing. Mary Jo was a dedicated volunteer for Hospice and served as an Ambassador for Donate Life. She was appointed by Governor Bev Perdue to the License to Give Trust Fund and later reappointed by Governor Pat McCrory. She was honored with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's

highest civilian award, for her efforts in passing " Duffy’s Law," which designates April as Organ Donation Awareness Month in the state of North Carolina. She founded the Duffy Collins Organ Transplant Foundation, which facilitated transplants for seven patients. In memory of her son, she adopted a highway and had a flag flown over the U.S. Capitol.

Anyone that knew Mary Jo knew that she had a great love for Shagging, and you could bet that she was packing her bags to head out on the beautiful blue waters for a cruise to someplace new. She always had something funny and off-the-wall to add to any conversation that would send you into the biggest laughter. I see where Duffy got it from.

The greatest words in Mary Jo’s life were, “But the greatest of these is love.” Her deepest desire was to love and be loved by all. She trusted in Jesus completely and believed with all her heart that she could do all things through Christ who strengthened her.

 Mary Jo wished to conclude her life’s journey with these words from the Apostle Paul: “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (2 Timothy 4:7-8) Mary Jo Ashby Collins is now home with the Lord. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and kindness and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. "I will see you all in the morning."

 A service to celebrate her life will be held on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at 11:00AM at the Alamance Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel, officiating by Rev. Bob Stephenson.