Wilma Faye (Rowland) Collins, of Tulsa, Oklahoma died, March 5, 2011, at the Tulsa Jewish Health Center after a courageous fight against Parkinson's disease.

Born on a tenant farm in Holdenville, OK on December 24, 1929 to Linnie and M.D. Rowland, Faye graduated valedictorian from Holdenville High School then came to Tulsa with her mother to attend Draughn's School of Business. After working for a short period of time, Faye met the love of her life, Joe, at a YWCA dance, and they were married on August 3, 1952 at Holy Family Cathedral. They never missed an opportunity to continue their passion for big band dancing and were well known at numerous Tulsa dance venues. Their love for dancing continued well into their 70's, even garnering them numerous gold medals in the Tulsa Senior Olympics. They celebrated their 58th wedding anniversary in 2010.

As newlyweds, Faye and Joe moved to Queens, New York, where she worked at Duram Aircraft until they started their family. As a Christian, Faye was instrumental in the growth of her children's faith, teaching and leading them by example of love, loyalty, and service to others. Faye was a gourmet cook, talented gardener, and accomplished tennis player. She was the quintessential grandmother, supporting her grandchildren in their growth academically, athletically and spiritually.

Faye is survived by her husband Joe, daughter Patricia Collins-Everett and husband Mark, son Brian Collins and wife Kelli, by grandchildren Matthew, Sean and Caitlin Everett, and Patrick and Daniel Collins. She was preceded in death by her parents and son Joseph "Joey" Collins Jr.

A rosary service will be held Thursday, 7:00 pm, at Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am on March 11, 2011, at Holy Family Cathedral. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Catholic Charities or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Fitzgerald Southwood Colonial Chapel, 918-291-3500.