Obituary of Wanda Murphy Collins

Wanda Murphy “Micky” Collins, 91, widow of Clayton W. Collins, died Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at McLeod Health Clarendon.

Born March 11, 1935, in Columbus, Ohio. She was a daughter of the late Daniel Boone Murphy and the late Gayle Lucille Hamilton Murphy. She retired from The Item and was a licensed CNA to care for the elderly. She was of the Baptist Faith. She was the first female licensed in the United States to race harness trotters in competition. In her younger years, she was the operation manager, trainer and breeder at Sunrise Farms and was a founding member of the Manchester Trail Riders.

Surviving are four stepchildren, Jeffry Collins (Janice), Lisa Michelle Blackwelder (Ralph), Cynthia Lynn Collins Cowthorn, and James David Collins (Celeste); three step-grandchildren, and two step – great grandchildren; Special Friends, Barbara and David Hill and Marsha and Fraiser Boykin.

The family would like to express their thanks to her friend and caregiver Savannah Choice of United Carolina Healthcare.

Funeral services will be held 11 AM Friday, May 22, 2026, in the Chapel of Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Bryan Hatfield officiating.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 10 AM – 11 AM at Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home.

Burial will follow in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Sumter SPCA, 1140 S. Guignard Dr., Sumter, SC 29150.

Online condolences may be expressed at  www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.