Patricia Flowe Collins

October 23, 2025

Patricia Flowe Collins was born in Charlotte North Carolina on November 15, 1934. Pat was a woman of distinction. A true Southern Belle in every sense of the definition, she embodied taste and class in a way that represented her generation and heritage. Extraordinarily well-kept and well-dressed alike, Pat took great pride in her appearance and the way she presented and postured herself in her everyday life. She didn’t even go outside to get the paper without her proverbial “face on” and every hair in place, and she truly was the epitome of style and grace—always appearing at least ten to fifteen years younger than she really was.

First and foremost, Pat’s greatest devotion was to her family. Her love of her two sons was unequaled. The only love that could compare outside of her husband, Fred, and her children and grandchildren, was that of her Labrador Retrievers — Willie, Sunny, Levi, and Josie. Nothing was too good for her boys and her dogs, and they took precedence over everything else in her life. Indeed, people often expressed how they wished they could come back as her dogs in their next lives. Loving came easy for her.

Pat was a Charlotte native and hailed from a family that has been in the Charlotte area for over 200 years. She worked for and carried on her father’s grading business into the 1970s — Flowe Brothers Construction Company and later W. Owen Flowe Construction Company.

A graduate of the “old” Harding High School in Charlotte, she met the man of her dreams and future husband of 64 years, Fred D. Collins Jr., at the Dairy Queen on Central Avenue in the early 1950’s.  Her true wisdom was spread through uncanny analogies and quick wit. The ability to add an anecdote or a brilliant metaphor in her colloquial conversations will be sorely missed.

Pat knew her hometown well and watched the Queen City transform from a sleepy Southern town to a bustling metropolis, but that never changed her small-town pride and sensibilities. You could often find her reminiscing about the “good old days” at Montaldo’s women’s store in downtown Charlotte, among other institutions long gone.

Providing a warm, welcoming home with fresh-cooked meals and desserts was another of her specialties — she never met a stranger, and no one could deny her Southern hospitality and vibrant, youthful nature.
 
Pat loved freely so that her sons could live freely — free to express themselves and pursue their own families and dreams. One of her favorite quotes—which a catholic sister shared with her when she lost her own father—was: “God never closes a door without opening a window.”
 
On October 23rd of this year when Pat passed, the world lost a tremendous, loving soul who treasured life and the simpler things it had to offer. A huge void has been left behind in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.
 
Patricia is survived by her sons, Fred D. Collins III of Charlotte, NC, Shawn Collins of Myrtle Beach, SC, her granddaughter Anne-Jordan Collins of Charlotte, her grandson William Owen Collins of Greenville, SC, and her one remaining Labrador Retriever, Josie.
 
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606.  Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

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  • Paige Collins MacBeth

    My beloved Aunt Pat Collins
    How I wish I could share with y’all the sound of her voice…the epitome of the southern drawl. I loved how she pronounced Shawn and Freddy! That elongation of syllables. She embodied the perfect southern lady, homemaker and wife.
    I knew her my entire life, but most interactions were shortened and sporadic since I lived in other states. I remember coming to Charlotte to see Grandmother and Granddaddy in 1995 or 96 with my then fiancé Greg. Uncle Freddy playfully but somewhat painfully slapping the back of his neck! I do not remember what she made for us to eat, just that it was delicious. They came to our wedding in 1996 and that meant a great deal to me.
    She made the best tomato sandwich I ever had in my life. Just mayo, bread and a delicious tomato. She kneaded the cornbread stuffing one holiday by hand. Everything she made or seemed just perfect to me. The décor of her home was stellar. I distinctly remember the kitchen…both times it was done with absolute sophistication.
    Some time within the last year, I reestablished contact with her. My parents died in 2019 and 2020 and it’s still upsetting. I loved speaking with her again. I dug up some pictures I had and sent them to her. We hoped I might come see her again, but alas, that did not happen.
    Her collection of collectibles was so impressive. If I am not mistaken, the Herend factory in Hungary invited her into their factory to tour? My Daddy was smitten with her, I am sure; I can imagine him being a 14-year-old boy meeting such a lady! In the 90s he looked to her for her vast knowledge of antiques and collectibles while we owned Eclectic Antiques.
    I cannot recall any time when she was not kind and sweet. That’s what I remember.
    What I know is that she adored her sons. She loved her dogs. I remember Willie in particular. Being a lover and protector of dogs is a central part of me, so when I meet a kindred soul…
    Well, my writing talent wanes in comparison to Shawn’s. What a remarkable and expressive tribute you gave us. I believe she is in Heaven looking down with contentment and pride.
    May you find peace, Freddy and Shawn. Sending you love.

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