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Tommie Collins, 90, of Denton, departed this earthly life on June 26, 2023, and entered into internal rest with her heavenly father. She was born on March 15, 1933 in Shelby County. She was the last born of four and was a spirited individual who lived her 90years with love for her Lord, family, and students. She, an ardent learner, graduated from Hemphill High School, earned a Bachelor's degree from Baylor University in Waco, and a Master's and doctoral degree from Texas Woman's University in Denton. She attended American Airlines Flight Academy in Chicago and for 7 years was based and lived in Dallas, New York, and Los Angeles. She supervised stewardesses in Dallas/Fort Worth, and served as Vacation Relief Supervisor in San Francisco. On Jan. 1, 2009, she retired after teaching 43 years, beginning in a public school in Victoria, and later moving to Eastern Kentucky University where she served as an Associate Professor. After marrying John Lawhon, III, JD, and District Attorney from Denton, she served as a professor for 41 years at the University of North Texas. While at UNT, Tommie was the first woman to receive their highest teaching honor, the 'Fessor Graham Award.” She was selected as an 'Honor Professor' by UNT, received two 'Top Prof' awards from Mortar Board, and was selected on two occasions to speak in foreign countries including Taiwan, Poland, Russia, Tashkent, Kiev, and other locations. She traveled extensively through many countries with her cousin, Audrey McRae. They were selected as 2 of 14 for the first 'Educational Tour to Japan, South Korea, and Mainland China.' Earlier she traveled within Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Holland, Norway, Luxemburg, Switzerland, Denmark, Belgium, England, and other countries; later travels included Greece, Israel, Lebanon, Jordan, and Palestine.
