Margaret Gordon Collins was born on January 26, 1923, in Utica, Kentucky. From a young age, she displayed an affinity for music and the performing arts. Mrs. Collins participated in band and orchestra throughout grade school and high school. She decided to pursue her passion for music by attending Murray State College and in 1945 she received her bachelor’s degree in Music Education. Margaret dedicated herself to instilling her love of music into those around her and she was the first full-time music teacher in the Alief Independent School District. She continued her teaching career in Alief for 21 years until she retired in 1985 after developing Parkinson’s disease. In spite of her diagnosis, she continued to serve as a volunteer in Alief for several years after her retirement.

Alief ISD dedicated Margaret Collins Elementary school in 1999 so that Margaret’s legacy may live on.