Karen J. Collins passed away surrounded by her family on the evening of March 24, 2026, in Morris. She was born to John York and Rachel (Thomas) York on June 2, 1945, in McAlester.
She attended and graduated from Indianola High School.
Karen met Buddy Collins in Indianola in a very unlikely place – in the middle of an onion patch – a story she loved to share. The couple married on September 7, 1963, in Indianola. In 1973, they purchased land and made their home in Morris, where they raised their family and built a life together.
After her two boys were older, Karen returned to school and earned both her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees from Northeastern State University. She went on to teach for several years in Okmulgee Public Schools before retiring in 2009.
Karen was musically inclined; she loved to sing and was exceptional at playing the piano and organ for the churches she attended. She also taught piano to many students over the years. Karen was a very social lady and enjoyed being active in her community.
June 2, 1945 – March 24, 2026
She was a member of PEO Chapter ER, Sesame Club, Okmulgee Education Foundation and served as a caretaker for the Choate Prairie Cemetery for a time.
Karen loved to garden and took great pride in the flower beds surrounding her home. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Morris before later moving her membership to First Baptist Church of Okmulgee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John York and Rachel Mangrum, and her brother, John Eddie York.
Karen is survived by her loving husband, Buddy Collins; her children, Tim Collins and wife Tracy, and Chris Collins and Tabetha Boss; her grandchildren, Erica Vinson, Chase Collins, and Kristin Denise Collins; and her beloved dog, Penny.
Friends may visit the funeral home on Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 30, 2026, at McClendon-Winters Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Dennis Taylor officiating. Interment will follow at Choate Prairie Cemetery near Indianola.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mc-Clendon-Winters Funeral Home of Okmulgee. Memories, condolences, photos and videos may be shared with the family on Karen’s Tribute Page at www.mcclendon- winters.com.
