Bobbie Jean (BJ) Collins was born on October 17, 1940, the daughter of John W. Collins, Sr. and Inez Collins. She transitioned to her eternal rest on March 1, 2021. She was a faithful member of St. Peters Church and World Outreach Center. Educated in the Forsyth County public schools, Bobbie Jean was a graduated of Atkins High School. She was also a graduated of Winston-Salem State University. Bobbie Jean was a dedicated and loyal member of the Brown Alumni Chapter (Winston Salem Chapter) of Winston Salem State University National Alumni Association Sorority.

BJ began her teaching career immediately after graduation as a third-grade teacher in Wadesboro, NC. She continued to teach outside of Winston-Salem for 20 years until she was hired as a second-grade teacher at Cash Elementary school. She used to always say "God took care of me on the highway all of those years. Thank you, Jesus!" After joining the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Public School System, she worked at Union Cross and Old Town Elementary schools. When she joined the Old Town Elementary school family, she had already achieved 30 years as an educator but did not retire. Instead, Bobbie Jean served the students and families of the Old Town community for 19 years as a Primary Reading Specialist. In 2011, she retired from her long career.

Bobbie Jean leaves behind to cherish her memory, one daughter, Sharnell D. Collins, two grandchildren (Johnathan W. Manning and Jonah W. Collins), a sister-in-law, Mrs. Roberta G. Collins, a niece, Ms. Pamela J. Collins, a great-nephew (Austin M. Collins), a Goddaughter, Dr. Allison Griffin-Walser, and a host of cousins and friends.