Jenelle Collins

Jenelle “Nanny” Collins, 83, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away on October 24, 2023.

She was born on July 4, 1940 to the late Wesley and Gertrude Staggs.  She was a hardworking, loving, single mother of five children.  Jenelle instilled her strong work ethic in each of her children. She worked various jobs through the years, but the one she enjoyed the most was serving as a waitress at Mid-State Truck Stop.  She enjoyed attending church at Jacksonville Church of the Nazarene and Grace Church of the Nazarene, where she loved to worship her Lord and Savior. “Nanny” enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and hearing about their accomplishments.  She was always proud of her siblings, children, grandchildren and the rest of the family as well.  Her home was always open to others—she didn’t know a stranger.  Everyone will miss her meatloaf, macaroni and cheese and especially, her red velvet cake.

She was preceded in death by her grandmother, Maggie Bauldwin; parents; siblings, Clarence Gosvener, Thomas Gosvener, Milton Gosvener and Mary Dunlap; one great-grandchild, Ezekiel James Payne; and a fur baby, Sally.

She is survived by her children, William (DeeDee) Payne, John (Carol) Payne, Teresa Griffin, Debbie (Randy) Benson and Elizabeth (Joe) Tims; three siblings, Doris Petty, Charles Gosvener, and Billy Gosvener; ten grandchildren, Christopher (Jenny) Payne, Aaron (Katie Jo) Payne, Courtney Payne, Patrick Daily, Jason (Stacy) Payne, Danny (Melissa) Payne, Nickolas (Ginger) Benson, Brandon Benson, Alisha (A.J.) Simpson, and Billy Owens; twenty-three great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; bonus daughter and her family, Karen Morgan; her fur babies, Hazel and Patches; and several extended family members.

Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM, Monday, October 30, 2023 at Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home. Funeral will be at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, October 31, 2023 at Grace Church of the Nazarene in North Little Rock. Interment will be in Rest Hills Memorial Park in North Little Rock.

Arrangements by Smith North Little Rock Funeral Home, 1921 Main St, North Little Rock, AR 72114, 501-758-1170.--