A memorial service celebrating the life of Patricia Ann Collins, 69, of Crosby, Texas, will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., at the Cochran Funeral Home Chapel in Livingston, Texas, with Bro. Charlie Dean officiating.

Patricia was born on July 23, 1956, in Houston, Texas, and passed away on December 29, 2025, in Baytown, Texas. She was preceded in death by her parents, Cecil Cladius Gunnels and Shirley Joann Haught; her siblings Mary, Donna, Cecil Joe, Cecil Author, Claude, and Carolyn.

Growing up in various states due to her father being in the military, Patricia developed a love for travel and embraced life wherever it took her. She carried this into adulthood, where she lived in many places including Florida, Georgia, Virginia, and Texas. In between raising her beloved children, she dedicated herself to her education, earning her AA from Miami Dade College, her BA from the University of Miami, and training as a paralegal, beautician, and even in real estate. She always joked that her mother referred to her as her "over-educated nut," a nickname that perfectly embodied not only her bright mind, but also her playful sense of humor.

Her children were her world, and she poured her heart into raising them. Every sacrifice she made and every choice she faced was guided by her love for them and her desire to give them the very best she could. Patricia was also truly the heart of her family. She loved spending time with her friends and loved ones, whether it was laughter filling the room or quiet moments spent side by side.

In her free time, she found joy in crocheting for her family, creating handmade pieces that carried her love, comfort, and presence long after they were given. Being a woman of deep, unwavering faith, she lived each day trusting that God was guiding not only her steps, but also the steps of those she loved, and believed with all her heart that one day she would be welcomed into God's arms, reuniting with her mother, father, and siblings.

Everyone knew that Patricia knew who she was, what she stood for, and was never afraid to speak her mind, regardless of how blunt it may have seemed. She always seemed to know exactly what to say,and was never afraid to stand up for those she cared about. Her words, guidance, and steady presence in the lives of those she loved, shaped her family in ways that will be forever felt, and her wisdom will continue to live on through her children and grandchildren every day.

She is survived by her children, Kevin Huston and wife Christi of Crosby, Texas; Tonya Bernoir of Clermont, Florida; Toney Skorupa of Clermont, Florida, Joseph Collins and wife Sara of Concord, Virginia; Ronnie Skorupa, wife April, and their 8 children of Killeen, Texas; her brothers, Ricky Gunnels of Point Blank, Texas, Bobby Gunnels and wife Dee of Sumter County, Florida, and Tony Gunnels and wife Angela of Livingston, Texas; her sister, Lisa Wilfong and husband Charlie of Marietta, Ohio; her beloved grandchildren, Chey, Faith, Kellee, Meagan, Haley, Collin, Levi, Samantha, Alex, Colt, Amelia, and Marissa; as well as her great-grandchildren, Braylen, Jade, A.J.,  Lorelei, and Hudson.

Cochran Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Please sign our online guestbook at www.cochranfh.com.