Evelyn Gustafson Collins

Collins, Evelyn Gustafson, 96 passed away and joined the Lord on October 15, 2026. Evelyn was born February 19,1930 in St. Petersburg, Florida to Raymond Herbert Gustafson and Clara Elizabeth (Bessie) Dyer. She was the third eldest of four girls and was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Collins, parents, Raymond and Clara Gustafson and three siblings, Mildred Raphun, Dorthey Lang and Helen McChesney. Evelyn graduated from St. Petersburg High School and went on to graduate from Florida State University (FSU) in 1954 with a Bachelor and Master Degree of Science in Home Economics - Early Childhood Education. Throughout her college years, she was an active member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and chosen as a Debutante to represent St. Petersburg. While at FSU, she met Jack Collins, her soon to be husband of almost 70 years. Upon graduation, Evelyn began teaching at Auburn University in Alabama. She and Jack were married on July 23,1955 and moved to St. Petersburg in 1956. Jack joined Raymond H. Gustafson’s Accounting firm while Evelyn worked for various Pinellas County Schools as a Social Worker. They would eventually welcome 3 sons, Jack Jr. (Jay) in1959, Steven in 1960 and Richard in 1962. As a wife and mother, she gave tirelessly of her time to many organizations, including: The Junior League of St. Petersburg, the Museum of Fine Arts, The Museum of History and the Stuart Society. She was a lifelong member of Delta Gamma and authored a book on the history of the club. She was President of the Sinawik Club (Ladies of Kiwanis) and chaired the St. Petersburg High School 1948 Reunion Committee for many years. She was a member of the St. Petersburg Yacht Club and the First United Methodist Church (St. Pete First). She also managed Tall Girl Fashion stores in St. Petersburg and Tampa for many years.

Survivors include her three sons, Jack Jr. “Jay” (Patricia); Steven (Jane) and Richard; six grandchildren; Alyssa Collins, Mitchell Collins, Tanya Collins de Leon (Abe), Lindsay Collins Whelan (Mike), Shannon Collins Keogh (Kevin), and Taylor Collins Grandstrom (Jamus); and five great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, to honor Evelyn’s love of the Lord and her Church, contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church; 212 3rd St. N. St. Petersburg, FL 33701 or Hospice - Empath Health; 5771 Roosevelt Blvd., Clearwater, FL 33760 (directed to Mid Pinellas Magnolia Care Center). Funeral arrangements are being provided by Anderson McQueen with inurnment at Memorial Park Cemetery.