Marion Elizabeth McElvey Collins, 86, of Panama City Beach, went to be with the Lord on December 14, 2015. Marion was born at home on March 7, 1929 in Kenansville, FL to Sarah Elizabeth and John Marion McElvey.
Marion and her little brother, Joe, moved to Bay County in 1939 where their mother and father opened a drugstore in Lynn Haven on Florida ave. During WWII Mr. McElvey opened another drugstore across the street from Wainwright Shipyard where Marion worked at the soda fountain after classes at Bay High, making the best Coke floats in town. On March 4, 1946, Marion's and Joe's little sister, Ruthy joined the family. Marion was a member of Bay High School class of 1947, graduated from Brenau and attended University of Georgia where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.
In addition to owning and operating the family motels in Panama City Beach, Marion was active in several organizations, always working to give back to her beloved hometown and seeking to make Bay County an even better place to live. She was involved in the PTA of her daughters' schools, and scout leader for several years. Marion served as president of Jr. Service League of Panama City, treasurer of the Panama City Woman's Club, and member of the Bay County Friends of the Library. She enjoyed the friendships in the Petit Point Luncheon Club and her "Steel Magnolias Lunch Bunch."
Marion has been a faithful member of First Methodist Church of Panama City since 1954. She was a member of the Lillie Pennington Sunday school class and past president of United Methodist Women.
Marion will be remembered for her devotion to God, her family, and her many friends. Her faith continues to be an inspiration to those who knew and loved her. Marion treasured her family and is survived by her daughters, Claudia Collins Shumaker (Bob), Charla Collins Rizzuto, and Carol Jean Collins; her grandchildren, Betsy Hughes (Bill), Courtney Adkinson (Frank), Aaron, Rayne and Collin Rizzuto; five great- grandchildren, Morgan Hughes, Ansley Adkinson, Janie Hughes, Sawyer Adkinson and Robert Adkinson; her brother, Joe McElvey (Jean); brother-in-law, Gary Harrington (Karen); sister-in-law, Jan Collins; and nieces, Teresa McElvey, Marion Harrington and Courtenay Collins Eckhart; nephews, Brad Harrington, Chip Collins and Tommy Fletcher.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 19th at First United Methodist Church of Panama City. The family will receive friends at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Those desiring may make memorial donations to First United Methodist Church, Forest Park United Methodist Church, or Anchorage Children's Home.