MT. AIRY, NC – Rebecca Hemingway Collins, 83, of 509 Ridgeway Drive, Mt. Airy, NC died on Monday, May 21, 2012 at The Hospice House of Rutherford County.

The former Lois Rebecca Mobley was born in Martin County (Robersonville, NC) on April 10, 1929.  She was the daughter of the late Duard Brinkley Mobley and Nettie Caroline Wynn.

Rebecca retired from RBC Centura Bank in Mt. Airy.  She was known for the love of her family, friends, and customers.  She never forgot a face or a name.  Rebecca’s outgoing and vivacious personality was one of her many assets.

She was preceded in death by her 1st husband, Rev. John D. Hemingway of Bethel, NC.  Rebecca later married Lewis “Luke” Franklin Collins of Flat Rock, NC and was preceded in death by him.

Rebecca is survived by her daughter, Jackie Hemingway Joyner and son-in-law, Al Joyner, of Rutherfordton, NC; and her son, John Douglas Hemingway, Jr. of Lexington, NC. She is also survived by Mr. and Mrs. David Collins of Greenville, NC and his son Jonathan Collins of Raleigh, NC; and Luke’s son, Scott Collins, of Martinsville, VA.

Rebecca is survived by two of her greatest joys in life, grandsons, Will Joyner and Lee Joyner of Raleigh, NC.

Rebecca is survived by her adored sisters, Ann Louise Roebuck of Williamston, NC and Jean Hurley of Fayetteville, NC; and her very special brother, Bobby Mobley and sister-in-law, Joan Mobley, of Clemmons, NC; sister-in-law, Barbara Mobley of Robersonville, NC; and brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Jeanne Hemingway of Bethel, NC.

Surviving her also are many nieces and nephews who were constantly entertained by her humor and numerous great nieces and nephews whose activities always interested her.

She was preceded in death by sisters, Sally Woodcock of Wilmington, NC and Faye Jones of Williamston, NC and brothers, Jake Mobley and Ralph Mobley of Robersonville, NC.

A personal note from Jackie: Throughout my mother’s long battle with a disabling disease, her life was enhanced and her care was beyond exceptional from her first long time caregivers and very dear friends, Dana and Betty Taylor, Ila Schuyler, Linda Ball, Debbie Greer and Jeannie Woodal of Mt. Airy.  Her Mt. Valley Hospice team, especially Libby, Ruth and Dixie enabled her to retain her grace and dignity while very ill. During the last few weeks, the doctors, nurses and caregivers of Hospice of Rutherford Co. provided such loving care.  Too many other friends and caregivers to name, you know who you are, added many rays of sunshine. Doug and I thank you all!

In lieu of flowers the family would welcome donations to Mt. Valley Hospice 401 Technology Lane Suite 200 Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or to Hospice of Rutherford County P.O. Box 336 Forest City, NC.

A memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Rutherfordton on Thursday, May 24 at 3:00 p.m.  The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service in the fellowship hall.  Final resting of Rebecca’s ashes will be held at Martin Memorial Gardens in Williamston, NC on June 9 at 2:00 p.m.

Online guest register at www.mcmahansfuneralhome.com    McMahan’s Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge of the arrangements.