The Democrat-Gazette wants its news reports to be fair and accurate. We correct all errors of fact. If you know of an error, write: Frank Fellone Deputy Editor P.O. Box 2221 Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or call 378-3475 during business hours Monday through Friday.
Jamye Collins’ name was spelled incorrectly in a package of profiles in Sunday’s editions about the 15 victims of the April 27 tornado. It should have appeared this way:
JAMYE COLLINS
In the early 1990s, devout Razorback fan Jamye Collins was horrified when other fans booed her football team.
“She made a pact that year,” recalled longtime friend Paula Crump Winn. “She said, ‘I willnever leave a game early, and my team will know I’m here to support them, no matter what.’”
She kept that promise. For 15 years, the 50-year-old Vilonia resident was a season ticket-holder. Players knew her by sight. If they bumped into her outside, most recognized her, gave her a hug and thanked her for her unwavering support.
That was Jamye. Loyal. Steadfast.Always ready to listen.
“If you were lucky enough to have Jamye as a friend, you had a friend for life,” Crump Winn said, recalling her best friend’s popularity on the Southeastern Conference’s Smack website.
Jamye’s father, hurt in the tornado, remained hospitalized and was unable to attend his daughter’s funeral Friday. But she didn’t lack for mourners. Former Razorback football players showed up. So did her former co-workers from the SAS shoe factory in Conway, where she worked for more than 20 years, until the plant closed.
Former Razorback Anthony Lucas grieved hard, Crump Winn said. So did the many other former players who remembered Collins’ smiling face and encouraging words - whether the team had won or lost. And SEC Smack friends across the nation sent flowers.
Jamye, 50, was just as devoted to her family, doting on her nieces and reveling in their accomplishments. She attended the girls’ swim meets and gymnastic performances. She was also a member of Landmark Missionary Baptist Church in Vilonia, where she served as church clerk, taught Sunday School and participated in the youth program.
Front Section, Pages 2 on 05/05/2014