Daye Dunn Collins

Published 9:24 am Monday, January 13, 2025

AUSTIN — Longtime resident of Tyler, TX, Daye Dunn Collins, died October 30,2024 in hospice care in Austin, TX. She was born in Austin on July 1, 1948 to Roy Sylvan and Elaine Dunn. She spent her early years growing up in Lubbock where her father was the director of the Southwest Collection at Texas Tech University. She was a twirler and attended Monterrey High School and graduated from Coronado High School in 1966. After high school, Daye moved a bit, before landing in Atlanta, GA where she worked for the ABC affiliate and made other stops in the world of television and radio before settling in Tyler in the 1970’s. At the time she was married to Dale Palmer and they bought a historical home in the Azalea District. She and Dale organized a rowdy group of friends to do a take-off of the Rose Festival which they held in the spring. There was always an unauthorized parade through the Azalea District and a king and queen were crowned every year. During this time, Daye opened her own successful advertising agency and got more involved in good causes. She was a long standing supporter and board member for the Tyler Civic Theatre and also acted and directed in many plays over the years. She helped organize the McClendon House Society, which purchased and restored the old Victorian home. She spent many years as the official presenter of the Honorees at the annual Women in Tyler luncheon during Women’s History Month. She, herself, was honored as an Outstanding Woman in Tyler, after her retirement. She was instrumental in saving the historic oaks on Broadway Ave. in Tyler, during construction of the road. She was also active in Smith Co. Historical Society. She was a co-owner and operator of the family ranch, DBar Land and Cattle, LLC., that’s been in her family since the 1880’s. She is also a descendent of the McCoy’s, who settled Gonzales Co. in the 1820’s, with one of whom defended and died at the Alamo.

In 1995, she received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Tyler and went on to teach history at TK Gorman High School for 15yrs. She was a favorite teacher and many students developed a love of history because of her. She also developed many friendships with faculty and staff that lasted many years. Daye was an extensive world traveler with friends, family, and students and loved history and a good adventure!

For 25 years, Daye was married to Glenn Collins, an attorney with the Ramey Flock Firm, who passed away in October of 2014. She and Glenn would host their nieces and nephews most summers and had an annual Christmas party that was enjoyed by all. She was a founding member of the Yeehaw Divas and also the infamous Tyler Goddesses.

Daye is survived by her sister, Janet Dunn Adams and brother Roy Dunn and wife LeeAnn, all of Austin. Plus, nieces Jessica Day Williamson and husband David, Nicole Dunn Brandon and husband Paul, and Heather Dunn McCormick and husband Kyle, Kate Brooks Carroll and Kim Brooks Davidson; and nephews Roy Nathan Dunn and wife Emily and Chase Dunn. She is also survived by great nieces and nephews Kaitlyn and Kason Dunn, Khloe Brandon, Oliver, Garrett, and Gentry Williamson, Liam and Braylee McCormick. And step children Todd Collins and Hillary Collins Polly. She is also survived by her aunts Roma Jean Cunningham and Joycelyn Pratt.

Daye Collins’ funeral was held in Nixon, TX at Finch Funeral Chapels, on Sunday November 3rd at 12p. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at the Tyler Civic Theater.