JoAnn (Gray) Collins was born on March 11, 1950 in Fayette, Missouri, the daughter of Richard Jewel and Marion Alice (Collins) Gray, Sr. JoAnn entered into eternal peace on Sunday afternoon, April 1, 2012 following a brave battle with cancer, surrounded by her loving and caring family.

JoAnn's early years were spent in Roanoke, Missouri. The family later moved to Omaha, Nebraska. JoAnn graduated from South High School with the Class of 1968. She later moved to Shenandoah.

During her working years she was employed by Eaton Corporation in Shenandoah, until her retirement in 2005. She was active in the Relay for Life events. Some of her passions included spending time with her children and grandchildren, playing BINGO, going to the casino, reading, and fishing.

Those left to cherish her memory include her parents, Richard Gray Sr., and Marion Gray both of Salisbury, MO; her children, Jim Collins and wife Lea of Blair, NE and Mike Collins and wife Kristin of Kansas City, MO; 7 grandchildren; brother, Richard Gray, Jr. and wife Karen of Armstrong, MO; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.