In Death, Terence Collins Gives Life

Funeral services are set for Thursday for a Coweta track star who died after a tragic weekend on the lake.  News On 6 anchor Craig Day reports 17-year-old Terence Collins was pulled from the water at Lake Tenkiller over the Memorial Day weekend.  He died four days later, but even in death, Collins' legacy will live on because of the teen's decision to be an organ donor.

"He had a pretty smile, bright, bright eyes," said Terence's mother, Tracy Williams.

Williams says she'll miss the good night kiss she got each night from her son.  She'll miss his smile, and a hundred other things dear to a mother's heart.

"It is strictly God that is keeping me sane.  There is no doubt about that.  It's strictly God that is keeping me sane," said Terence's mother, Tracy Williams.

The 17 year old was a promising young student-athlete, qualifying for state in track this past spring.  He was a young man who made friends easily.  A day at the lake turned tragic.  Collins was pulled from the water at Lake Tenkiller after going under.  He died four days later.

"If there is anything that should come out of this, it should be something positive, not just a tragic death of someone that was so wonderful," said Terence's mother, Tracy Williams.

Through the pain and emptiness, Williams is comforted some knowing, even in death, Collins is helping others.

Before he died, Collins made it known he wanted to be an organ donor.  His heart went to a teenager.  His kidneys, liver and pancreas went to other transplant recipients.

"He's still living on; hopefully the people who received his donation realize how special he was and what they're really getting," said Terence's mother, Tracy Williams.

Williams hopes to one day meet the people who received the organs, to tell them about her son.  And, she hopes her son's classmates realize how fragile life can be, and parents remember children are a blessing.

"My advice is to love them as much as you can and do everything you can to protect them," said Terence's mother, Tracy Williams.

Terence's mom also hopes to meet the bystanders who pulled him from the water and who gave her a few more days by her son's side before he died.

Funeral services will be held Thursday morning at 11 at the First Assembly Church in Coweta.