Carol Jean Collins

Carol Jean (Calvert) Collins passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in Northern Kentucky on 09/12/2025. Born and raised in Maysville, Kentucky to Charles C. and Jean W. Calvert, Carol was predeceased by her parents, her husband James M. Collins III, and her daughter Kimberly A. Collins. She is survived by her children: Lisa Collins, Jim (CeeCee) Collins IV, and Drew (Lyn) Collins. Carol was a devoted grandmother to six grandchildren—Morgan, Cameron, Cal, Carolyn, Michael, and Nick Collins. She is also survived by her brother Charlie (Bonnie) Calvert of Maysville, Kentucky; she was predeceased by her elder brother, William (Bill) Calvert. Her sister-in-law Mary Nell (Al) Bolger of Naperville, Illinois also survives her, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Carol was known for her ability to form and nurture lifelong friendships wherever she lived and worked. She maintained close relationships with her grade school friends and the Maysville High School Class of ’62, for which she served as class secretary. After raising four children, who were born within five years of each other, Carol embarked on a career at Crestview Hills McAlpins, working in Better Dresses and later the Bridal Salon, where she established lasting friendships with colleagues.

Her professional journey continued with Delta Airlines, where travel benefits enabled Carol and Jim to explore destinations together. Their spontaneous adventures were well-known among friends and family. Carol’s association with her "Delta Chicks" created cherished memories that endured throughout her life.

Carol and Jim spent 17 years retired in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, enriching their lives with new and meaningful friendships. In recent years, Carol returned to Northern Kentucky, joining the St. Charles Village Community, where she became an active participant in social activities and built connections with fellow residents.

Carol's interests included time with her grandchildren, celebrating holidays, supporting UK basketball, video poker, travel, and staying engaged with friends via Facebook. She will be remembered for her ability to foster relationships, her dedication to family, and the positive impact she had on those around her.

Visitation and funeral services will be held at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church, 110 E. 3rd Street, Maysville, Kentucky on Thursday, September 18th, with visitation from noon to 1:00 pm, and funeral mass immediately following. Graveside services will be held at Saint Patrick’s Cemetery, Old Washington, Kentucky at 2:15 pm. All are welcome to join the family for a celebration of Carol’s life at Caproni’s Restaurant, 320 Rosemary Clooney Street, Maysville, Kentucky from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.

An additional celebration of life for family and friends in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati will take place on Wednesday, September 24th from 4:00 – 6:00 pm at Grandview Tavern, 2220 Grandview Dr., Fort Mitchell, Kentucky.

The family will also honor Carol in Fort Lauderdale in early 2026 for friends in that community.

In lieu of flowers, and in recognition of Carol and Jim's commitment to Catholic education, donations may be made to Villa Madonna Academy for the Kimberly A. Collins scholarship fund, to Covington Catholic High School for the James M. and Carol Collins scholarship fund, or to a charitable organization of your choice.