Amelia Collins

Amelia (Amy) Collins, 61, died at her residence on Thursday April 29, 2010 after a courageous battle with cancer. Amy was born on September 7, 1948 in Burlington, NC. She was the daughter of the late Jimmie Collins and her devoted mother, Mrs. Cleo M. Collins, who survives her. Her loving husband, Richard (Dick) Dale Palmore; sister, Karen C. McGovern (Jim); stepsons and daughters-in-law, Nicholas (Stephanie) and Alex (Jessica) Palmore; and cherished grandson, Aiden Palmore, survive. Survivors also include her sister-in-law Beverly P. Ryan; niece, Hannah Ryan; nephews, Justin Peterson and Chase Ryan; great nephew, Payton Peterson; and very special friend and caretaker, Rossielee Bramer. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Kyriakos and Kyriaki Moskos (Moskovakis) and her paternal grandparents, Angelo and Amelia Collins (Kallinikos). Amy’s loving mother, Cleo, and Amy’s special friend, Rossi, were her extraordinary and loving caregivers. These two angels were with Amy twenty-four hours a day, providing support and care with exceptional strength. Her sister, Karen, was her cherished friend and companion. The kind and compassionate care of Hospice nurses furnished skilled care and comfort for Amy and her family. Many devoted family members and friends visited and encouraged her at the hospital and at home. Amy graduated from Walter Williams High School in 1966 and from Catawba College in 1970. A degree in sociology served her well in her professional life of 38 years as a champion and advocate for families. In 1986 Judge Frank Montgomery appointed Amy as the District 19C Administrator for the newly formed Rowan County Guardian ad Litem (GAL) program. During her tenure she developed and nurtured the programs in both Rowan and Cabarrus Counties, training and inspiring a small army of dedicated volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Together they touched and changed the lives of an estimated 2000 families. She served tirelessly in this capacity until her retirement on 1 March 2010. In recognition of her devoted service she was awarded the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine by North Carolina Governor Bev Perdue. Amy’s legacy is championing children’s rights. She will be missed. Service: A funeral service will be held at 12:30 pm on Tuesday, May 4 at Second Presbyterian Church on Lincolnton Road. The Father Demetri Kangelaris, of Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, will conduct the service and will be assisted by the Rev. Dr. Roger Mackey. Volunteers and associates with the Guardian ad Litem program will be seated as a group. Visitation: The family will receive friends at Summersett Funeral Home Monday, May 3 from 6:00 to 8:00. At other times the family will be at the home. Burial will be in the National Cemetery. Memorials: In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Amy Collins Palmore Scholarship Fund, Catawba College, Development Office, 2300 West Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144.

Amelia Collins

September 7, 1948 - April 29, 2010