Sybil Benelia Wood Collins

IN LOVING MEMORY OF

Sybil Benelia Wood Collins

Sybil Benelia Wood Collins and her beloved husband, Kimball A. Collins, shared 48½ wonderful years of marriage. Formerly of Albany, Georgia, they later made their home in Summerville, South Carolina. Together, they built a life centered around love, family, and cherished memories. Their nearly five decades together created a lasting legacy that will continue through the many generations of family she will leave behind.

A LIFE DEDICATED TO HELPING OTHERS

Beyond her devotion to her family, Sybil dedicated much of her life to serving others and fighting for those who needed a voice. She was a passionate and tireless advocate for victims' rights, dedicating her career to helping victims and their families navigate some of the most difficult moments of their lives. 

Sybil served professionally as the Victim Advocates Director for the Dougherty County District Attorney's Office, where she worked to support victims, stand up for their rights, and ensure their voices were heard. 

Prior to that, Sybil devoted many years to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), serving in numerous leadership positions locally in Dougherty County and throughout Georgia. Her dedication and commitment eventually led her to serve as Chairman of MADD Georgia, a position she held for many years. 

Through her work with MADD and the District Attorney's Office, Sybil touched countless lives. She fought for justice, advocated for families affected by tragedy, and worked tirelessly to make a difference in her community and throughout the state. 

Her compassion, strength, determination, and unwavering commitment to helping others were defining parts of her life. While her family was her greatest treasure, the impact she made through her advocacy reached far beyond her home. The people she helped, the families she stood beside, and the voices she fought to make heard will remain an important part of her lasting legacy. 

FAMILY

Sybil is survived by her loving husband, Kimball A. Collins of Summerville, South Carolina; her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, and extended family. 

Deborah Lynne Payne of Leesburg, Georgia (Daughter) Husband: Jimmy Payne, Jr. Jessica Myler (Granddaughter) and husband Justin Myler Maddux Myler (Great-Grandson) Beckett Myler (Great-Grandson) Chase Payne (Grandson) Hayden Payne Crosson (Great-Grandson) Asher Crosson (Great-Grandson)

William Christopher Collins of Albany, Georgia (Son) Late wife: Cindy Collins. Partner: Sharon Graham. Brandi Watkins Norman (Granddaughter) Ava Norman (Great-Granddaughter) Berkley Norman (Great-Granddaughter) Zach Watkins (Grandson) and wife Megan Watkins Reagan Watkins (Great-Granddaughter) Reese Watkins (Great-Granddaughter)

Sallie Melissa Gordon of Savannah, Georgia (Daughter) Husband: Brad Gordon Collins Gordon (Grandson, lovingly known as “Bubba”) Emrie Grace Gordon (Granddaughter, lovingly known as “Doll Baby”)

 Surviving Brothers and Sisters

Junior Knight and wife Cindy Knight (Brother) Shirley Blitch and husband Sammy Blitch (Sister) Dottie Hunter (Sister) Cookie Knight (Sister)

PRECEDED IN DEATH

Sybil was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Tamatha Leigh Strassenberg of Jacksonville, Florida, and her siblings, Little Joe Knight, Jeff Knight, Lacretia Smith, Della Johnson, and Jackie Wooten. 

Tamatha’s family includes: Husband: Krist Strassenberg (Surviving Son-in-Law) Kristin Knight (Granddaughter) and husband Brian Knight Kaleigh Woodward (Granddaughter) and husband Jim Woodward 

HER LEGACY 

Sybil’s life was defined by her love for her family, her compassion for others, and her determination to stand up for what was right. Whether she was advocating for victims, supporting families through tragedy, spending time with friends, or loving on her children and grandchildren, she gave of herself wholeheartedly. 

Her legacy lives on through the generations of family she leaves behind and through the countless lives she touched during her years of service. She will be remembered not only for the love she gave, but for the difference she made. 

Her life was one of love, service, strength, and purpose. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her. 

MEMORIAL SERVICE 

A memorial service celebrating Sybil’s life will be held on Saturday, December 12, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Summerville Presbyterian Church, located at 407 S. Laurel Street, Summerville, South Carolina 29483. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory and celebrate the life and legacy she leaves behind.