Sandra J. “Sandy” Collins, 89, of Olive Hill, Ky, entered into rest, Tuesday morning, August 11, 2026, at her residence. She was born, September 10, 1936, in Olive Hill, to the late Eldon “Curly” and Nadine Gertrude Cartee Armstrong.
After graduating from Erie School, she attended Morehead College, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree and began what would become a lifelong dedication to education. For more than 32 years, she served as a teacher with the Carter County Board of Education, beginning her career at Carter City High School, transferring to Olive Hill Elementary (on the hill), and finishing her career at the new Olive Hill Elementary once it was opened.
In a small community such as Olive Hill, a teacher’s influence has a way of reaching far beyond the walls of a classroom. Over the course of her career, she taught multiple generations of Carter County families, often finding former students returning years later with children of their own. Through more than three decades of teaching, she became part of the lives and memories of countless students and families within the community. Retirement did little to lessen her love for education, as she continued working as a substitute teacher, in the classrooms and schools that had been such an important part of her life.
Sandy’s Christian faith was another constant throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of First Christian Church in Olive Hill, where she shared many years of faith and fellowship with her church family.
She valued being an active part of her community and enjoyed the friendships and fellowship she found through her many involvements. She was a proud 50-year member of Olive Hill Chapter #290, Order of the Eastern Star, a member of the Carter County Retired Teachers Association, and along with her husband, the Carter County Cruisers.
Sandy also loved collecting beautiful things, but few collections brought her as much delight as her snowmen. Over the years, she gathered an impressive and much-loved collection in all shapes, sizes, and styles. Each one seemed to have its own personality and place, and together they became a familiar reflection of something she loved dearly – Christmas.
Christmas was, without question, her favorite season. She loved the decorations, the music, the traditions, the gatherings, and the special warmth that seemed to accompany that time of year. Her love for Christmas went deeper than the festivities, however. She cherished both the season and the reason for its celebration, embracing the faith, joy, generosity and togetherness it represents. For her, Christmas, was not simply a day on the calendar but a season to be treasured and shared with the people she loved.
In addition to her parents, Sandy was preceded in death by her husband of forty-five years, William N. “Bill” Collins; one son, Micheal J. Collins, and her goddaughter, Victoria Lee Cartee.
She is survived by one son, W. Stephen “Steve” Collins (Kathleen Holbrook) of Lexington, KY; one sister, Judy Sheets of Raeford, NC; four grandchildren, Ryan Stephen Collins of Hampton, VA, William Levi Collins of Lexington, KY, and David and Micheala Collins, both of North Carolina; six great-grandchildren, and a special nephew, Philip A. Sheets. In addition to these, she leaves behind a host of other family and friends that will greatly miss her and cherish her memory.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12:00 PM (Noon), Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Duvall & Moore Funeral Home & Cremation Service with Bro. Adam Foster and Larry Hall officiating. Burial will follow at the Olive Hill Memory Gardens.
Friends may visit from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, Thursday, August 13, 2026, and 9:00 AM until the time of service, Friday, August 14, 2026, at the Duvall and Moore Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 149 Whitt Street, Olive Hill, KY 41164. Eastern Star services will be conducted at 7:00 PM, Thursday, August 13, 2026.
Ryan Collins, Philip Sheets, David Carroll, Tony Williams, Steve Collins, and Tony James will serve as pallbearers.
Online condolences can be made at http://www.duvallandmoore.com
