Jessie Emma Thomas Collins, 77, of Florence and formerly of Nichols, passed away peacefully at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Mullins, South Carolina on October 7, 1945, the daughter of the late N.J. Thomas and the late Jessie Margaret Walker Thomas.

Jessie brought joy and beauty to countless lives as a talented floral designer and gardener. She worked for many years with Smith's Florist in Mullins sharing her knowledge of flowers and her love for people. Her strong faith in God and her strength and determination as her health began to fail, set an example for her family that they will never forget. She loved being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, and she considered that her greatest calling. She was a member of Christian Faith Baptist Church.

In addition to her parents, Jessie was predeceased by her beloved husband, Gordon Hartsell Collins; her brother, Joe Thomas, and three sisters, Martha Elizabeth Jordan, Eula Jean Best, and Mary Thelma Collins.

She is survived by her son, Michael Collins and his wife, Julie of Florence; two brothers, Andy Thomas and his wife, Marie of Effingham and Paul Thomas and his wife, Debbie of Marion; two grandchildren, Seth Michael Collins and Skylar Brent Collins, both of Florence; two great-grandchildren, Jocelyn Rae Collins and Jayce Brookes Collins, brothers-in-law, E.B. Collins and Lanneau Collins (Miriam), both of Aynor; her sister-in-law, Grace Wilson of Florence, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m., Friday, May 26, 2023 at Meares Funeral Home in Mullins. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, May 27, 2023 in the sanctuary of Christian Faith Baptist Church in Mullins with burial to follow at Watson Cemetery in the Zion community.

If you would like to remember Jessie, the family suggests that memorials be made in her memory to Christian Faith Baptist Church, 2809 Highway 76, Mullins, South Carolina 29574 or to the American Heart Association at www.heart.org.

The family would like to thank the staff of MUSC Health Florence Medical Center and Southland Healthcare Center for the loving care given to Jessie through the years.

An online guestbook is available at www.mearesfh.com.

Jessie is in the care of Meares Funeral Home of Mullins.