Coral Lynn "Corky" Collins

Coral Lynn “Corky” (Oldenburg ) Collins, 76 of Battle Creek, Michigan, died peacefully at Comfort living in Kalamazoo, with her family at her side.  

Coral was born March 26, 1947 in Muskegon, Michigan, the daughter of John & Marguerite (Bennick) Oldenburg. She grew up in Muskegon, MI and was a 1965 graduate of Minot High School in Minot, North Dakota.  Corky was employed at Leila Y. Post Montgomery Hospital, Community Hospital and as a nurse’s aide at hospice. 

On May 27, 1965, the day after graduation, Coral Lynn “Corky” Collins was united in marriage to Charles Wesley Collins at North Hill Baptist Church in Minot, N.D.   Surviving are Charles “Chuck”, her husband of 57+ years; their children, Christina (Lynn) Davis of McMinnville, TN, Christopher (Barb) Collins and Charles E. (Jaime) Collins both of Battle Creek; seven grandchildren, Sharee Trinity Davis, Brendon James Davis, Clark David Mintern, Davina Lee Mintern, , Lexus Rose Collins, Cameron Wesley Collins. Michael (Miriah) Collins; four great-grandchildren, Dylon Drake, Arnold Campbell, Travis Slagel, Trinity Mintern; a sister, Kathy Jean Weickersheimmer of Marshall; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews and their families. Coral was preceded in death by her parents; a son-in-law, Randy Davis; four siblings, Marilyn Mobley, John Robert Oldenburg, Rolly Oldenburg and David Lee Oldenburg.

Coral was a member of Harper Creek Baptist Church, where she was also a member of the Ladies Mary Martha Organization. She also sang Gospel music for Hospice. Corky enjoyed ceramics, flower gardening and even cared for her neighbor’s grapevines. She loved her family and followed all the activities of each generation of her family. Corky will be remembered for her love of Christ, helping others, her Christian service and as a Prayer Warrior. 

A funeral service to celebrate Corky’s life will be officiated by Pastor Chuck Winter at Harper Creek Baptist Church 6:00 p.m. Monday, June 12, 2023. A private family committal and interment will be held at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Harper Creek Baptist Church, 13222 Beadle Lake Road, Battle Creek, MI 49014. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Cremation Preneed Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.