10-year-old Texas girl killed in ATV accident spent 'countless hours' making face masks for healthcare workers
MUNDAY, TEXAS: The daughter of a nurse, who was well-known for making and donating hand-sewen masks for healthcare workers amid the coronavirus crisis, has died. Lexi Brooke Collins passed away on Friday, April 17, in an ATV accident.
According to reports, the 10-year-old had “spent countless hours making much needed facial masks (approximately 100) for the Knox County community and surrounding counties” before she was killed in the accident, according to her obituary. Collins was a fifth-grade student at Munday Elementary who was well-skilled in quilting after learning it from her relatives.
Collins' obituary describes her as a “unique, extraordinary, and truly one of a kind” girl, whose talent and skills got appreciated several times at the local Cotton Pickin’ Quilt Show. She started making masks for her community when her school closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Collins’ selfless act was also featured on KTXS in early April, and the outlet shared the same with pictures of four health care workers wearing hand-made masks made by the girl on its Facebook page. The caption of the post read: "Anson General Hospital received a very kind donation of hand-sewn face masks from a Munday, TX 5th grader. Thank you, Lexi Collins!! We are thankful for YOU!"
As per Munday City councilwoman Karen Logan, the young girl’s masks were a perfect fit for the medical workers because her mother, grandmother, aunt, and uncle are all nurses. "Lexi was a remarkable child. She was bright, talented, wise beyond her years, but overall had the most precious spirit I've ever know. She was always smiling,” Logan told KTXS.
“With this exuberance of light and her servant’s heart, Lexi gave so much joy and love to not only her family but also to those who were blessed enough to have been a part of her life. The definition of light is the natural agent that stimulates sight and makes things visible. Lexi was the breathing, walking definition of light. Lexi always walked on sunshine. It was just an innate part of her soul,” the girl’s obituary stated.
The eulogy also described her as a “typical 10-year-old” who “loved to play, enjoyed the fun in everyday life, and always gave her special kind of love to others.”
“Just like her daddy and granddaddy, Lexi loved horses and enjoyed the great outdoors with them. She was definitely 'Daddy’s Princess.' Lexi’s love of water can be labeled as asymmetrical connection with one of many aquatic animals,” it added.
“Until we meet again, Lexi, keep smiling, keep caring, and keep God’s faith in your soul,” the obituary read as it noted that the girl is survived by her parents Jacy and Jara Collins, brothers Talan and Grayson along with her grandparents Jerry and Rachel Gray.
Collins’ funeral was held on Monday, April 20, with the instruction of mandatory masks for the attendees attending the service. A candlelight vigil was also held in her honor a day before her funeral at Centennial Park in Munday. The community has also come out together to raise money to make a bronze memorial in honor of the girl.