Obituary
Gabriella Ann Collins, affectionately known as “Gabby,” of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away unexpectedly at home on March 31, 2025, at the age of 18. Born on January 24, 2007, in Shawnee, Kansas, Gabby was the beloved daughter of Gary James Collins and Vanessa Jane Collins (Carter), and sister to Victoria Collins. She was a senior at Lee’s Summit West High School and was planning to attend the University of Arkansas’ in the fall freshman class of 2025.
Gabby was deeply loved by her family and friends, and her kind soul, generous heart, and radiant smile brightened every room she entered. She had a true passion for her loved ones, always putting them first. Gabby was a very hard worker, balancing two jobs to support her love for clothes and shopping. She was involved in numerous school activities, Lady Lee’s Summit West Titan Golf team her sophomore and junior year, as well as FBLA, Titan Legacy, Titan Ambassador, DECA, and Girls United. Gabby’s commitment to her passions, friends, and family was evident in everything she did. She truly shone in all aspects of her life, leaving an impact on all those around her.
She was preceded in death by her great grandparents, Glen and Vivian Nelson, Marge Carter Caswell, Art Carter, Delbert Caswell, and James Frederick Collins. Gabby leaves behind her parents, Gary and Vanessa Collins; her beloved sister, Victoria Collins, of the home; and her grandparents, Kent and Leania Carter, and Linda Kay Collins of Lincoln, Missouri. She is also survived by a large extended family, including aunts, uncles, and cousins: Jeff, Kristy and Camryn Carter of Rogersville, Missouri; Caige and Ashleigh Carter of Springfield, Missouri; Jason, Mindy, Jacob and Anna Carter of Omaha, Nebraska; Gina and Frank Bowers of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; Payton and Adam Curp of Las Vegas, Nevada; Sydney Bowers of Kansas City, Missouri; Jay Collins of Tightwad, Missouri.
Gabby’s family and friends will forever cherish her memory and hold her in their hearts. She will be deeply missed by all who know her.
Pallbearers will include Jeff Carter, Jason Carter, Jacob Carter, Frank Bowers, Diego Ramirez, Jeff Mundt, Jeremy Skinner, and Kevin Terrono. Honorary pallbearers will be Elaine Gilbert, Grace Batch, Kamryn McDonald, Claire Tyler, Tatum Hooton, Isabella Bishop, Addison Lindemann, CC Featherston, and Ainsley Jackson.
Services:
A visitation will be held on Sunday, April 6, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, April 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the same location, followed by burial at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.
Gabby’s light may have left this earth, but her memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who loved her.
Condolences
Visitation
Lees Summit, MO 64082
Services
Lees Summit, MO 64082
The Callahans at 2801 SW 10th send our sincere condolences to your family during the lost of your beloved daughter. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My heart goes to all of Gabby’s family and friends. May she fly with the angels.
I had Gabby in my 7th hour Geometry class. That hour was one of my funniest groups of kids I have ever had. Gabby was super sweet and will always be remembered. My prayers and love go out to her family and friends, as I know there are many.
Take care with love always,
I had the pleasure of having Gabby in my World History class her Sophomore year at Lee’s Summit West. She was a beautiful kind soul, with an amazing personality! She always brought a bright smile and joy to our class each day. She was well liked by all, and truly loved everyone! She will be dearly missed. May she rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the Collins family during this very difficult time.
My prayers go out to you and your family. There is nothing I can say to make things better but know I am here for you always. Our family would love to plant a tree in Gabby’s memory where ever you choose. Let me know
She was a friend and loved by my Granddaughter, Kenlee Feldkamp!
Collins and Carter Family,
I cannot begin to imagine the depth of your pain and loss, but please know that my heart is with you. I pray that you find peace and comfort in the cherished memories of the time you had with Gabby.
With all my love and support,
Brian Marsh and Family
I pray that you can feel God’s comforting presence, knowing that He holds Gabby in His arms. May His peace that surpasses all understanding surround you, and may His love bring you healing. You are not alone. God is with you, and Gabby is safe in His eternal care.
I will never forget Gabby’s smile and how she cherished every friendship that she had… Praying for every family member and all of Gabby‘s friends.
Vanessa and family- I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. May your daughter’s memory be a blessing. ❤️
There really are no words… besides I am so sorry that this has happened, remember the wonderful times with her and keep her alive in your hearts and souls…
I was a sorority sister of Vanessa’s in college at NWMSU. I’m so sad for you and your family. Parents are not supposed to outlive their children.
I will be praying for you and your family for peace and love.💕
Vanessa and Gary,
My heart broke when I heard about the loss of your precious daughter, Gabby. I am so sorry and will be lifting you and your family up in prayer.
Yvonne
Vanessa and family, you are in our hearts as you remember your beautiful daughter and all that she was to so many. May the God of love and peace comfort you as you remember Gabby.
The Trible family offers our deepest sympathy at Gabby’s passing from this world. Rachel worked with Vanessa at MAVI. Our family sustained the loss of a child (sibling) in 2007. The pain of her passing was so intense. So, we understand your grief. Your family will be in our prayers. May Gabriella find peace in the arms of Jesus. And may her family & friends be lifted up to comfort & peace.
Gabby was a very special part of our team. She was such a bright light. Forever in our hearts. We will miss her quick wit and sweet spirit.
Gabby was one of the most beautiful souls I’ve met. Always lit up a room. Her memory will always last here forever. Prayers for the Collins family and close friends.
I never got the true pleasure of knowing gabby as close as her friends did. But I can tell you from someone who just seen her light, it brightened every room. Anyone could feel her presence she was filled with so much joy her soul could light up miles. She was the happiest person I have ever seen her vibrant energy and big smile will forever be a lasting memory too so many. I wish her family peace and comfort while they heal as well as just to know that even though gabbys time was short she made the biggest difference to the world. May her spirit live on rest in peace gabby ❤️
Vanessa,
I do not have the words to alleviate your pain and suffering. Yet I have not walked in your shoes, I have also experienced loss as you may know. We will burden that bare and carry on
Love,
Ryan Nelson
Lifting you in prayer as you navigate the days ahead. So sorry about your loss. She was a beautiful young lady, inside & out. Hugs, Pam Anderson, Nixa, MO
My heart and soul cry out for you as I am praying for your solace and comfort that can only come from God. Remember that God is more merciful than we as humans. What a beautiful child is Gabby and you can accept that she is in Heaven and you will see her agin one day. Blessed are those who mourn.” I, as a first cousin to Kent, Bob and Pam feel such a depth of compassiom for you and will be praying for you every day, Jan Wood Archer
Trisha Carney and Family send our deepest condolences. I had Gabby briefly in class and only hold fond memories. We are only down the street and ready to support in any way that we can.
Our hearts are broken for you. Such a beautiful young lady who was loved by all who knew her. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. If you need anything please do not hesitate to reach out. (2804 SW 11th Terrace)
Our hearts & prayers are with your family.
My hearts goes out to all family and friends! Prayers for all of you!
i never actually knew her, but she musiv been pleasing, kind and loyal. sometimes, i saw her in Mrs. Perky’s class first hour during coffee cart. we miss u Gabby. 🙁 we will never forget u
From: Daniel UwU
I am so sorry for your loss, I lost my brother due to suicide and 4 of my friends to it as well. I get how this feels..just stay strong and keep your head up…Because that’s what all of our angles want from up. I’m praying for y’all’s family and wish nothing but the best!!
Dearest Vanessa, I just learned yesterday of your family’s loss. (Please forgive me for not speaking with you personally or sooner.) Everything I have just read about Gabby lets me know that she was a wonderful person, loved and admired by a host of adults and young people.
I cannot fathom what you are experiencing now and I don’t have words that will help. Just know that I love you and that I am in prayer for you, Gary, and Victoria, as well as so many other friends and family who knew Gabby personally.
Take care.
The family has been heavy on my mind and heart. Praying for you all. I’m so sorry for your loss. Beautiful young lady.
I never knew Gabby, but came across her on TikTok and she is the most beautiful girl and appeared to be such a bright lively soul. Her videos made me smile and she looked like someone I would love to get to know. I’m sure she was loved by everyone that knew her! I struggled a lot with mental health my senior year this year and come back to her page often to honor her. I am deeply sorry for the loss of gabby and am keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers.
There is not a day that goes by that Gabby does not cross my mind. Words cannot describe how amazing she truly was. Every day I think of her, and reminded why it is so important to advocate for mental health. Her legacy reminds me to be kind to everybody, just as she was. I pray her family feels her presence strongly every single day. Her soul lives on eternally.