Julia Annice Epperson Collins

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live. And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die." John 11:25-26

Mrs. Julia Annice Epperson Collins, 91, of Claudville, VA, passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, April 23, 2011. A native of Patrick County, VA, Mrs. Collins was born January 3, 1920, in Claudville, the daughter of the late Samuel Berry Epperson and Julia Ann Anderson Epperson. She grew up in Claudville and remained there her entire life, except for her time at Radford College and brief stays at various locations for her husbands work during their early years of marriage. She married Fred Landress Collins in 1941, and Mr. Collins preceded her in death in 1981. Mrs. Collins graduated from Radford College, obtaining her Professional Education Certificate and returned to Radford to obtain her BS degree in elementary education. Mrs. Collins taught for over 35 years and retired from teaching in 1989 as a second grade school teacher. Mrs. Collins was a lifelong member of the Red Bank Family Child Educators Club. She truly loved every child that came through her doors. Mrs. Collins always had a way of bringing out the best in every child and her students continued to visit her upon adulthood bringing their children to meet her. Halloween was always a special event at her home; Mrs. Collins loved dressing up for the occasion and her home was always a stop that everyone wanted to make. Other than her commitment to God, family, friends, and community, she enjoyed fellowship, traveling, gardening, and basketball. Having traveled to every state in the United States and visiting various foreign countries, only lacking a couple of countries, she had seen the world. Gardening was a passion, bringing her so much joy. When rheumatoid arthritis took control, it prevented her from digging in the dirt she so loved. Mrs. Collins was a member of Unity Church. Her love of God and church was evident in the way she lived and strived to guide others. She will be remembered for her wonderful personality, her laughter, her smile, and, above all, her dedication to God, family, and the many friends that she had. She meant so much to so many people and many people meant so much to her. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Fred Collins; five sisters, Margie Culler, Ola Radford, Lucille Stanley, Irene Terry, and Lillian Turman; three brothers, Curtis Epperson, Herbert Epperson, and Hobert Epperson. Mrs. Collins leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Julia Ann Ward (Donald) of Mount Airy; two sons, Darwin Collins (Vickie) of Claudville, VA, and Donnie Collins of Pilot Mountain; grandchildren, Lisa W. Walker (Rick), Tammy W. Moore (Scott), Gerald Collins (April), Melinda C. Cox (Tim), Shanna Collins, Jennifer M. Conner (Shane), Brooke Montgomery, J.J. Collins, and Windy C. Overgaard (Peter); great-grandchildren, Lee Pike, Avery Pike, Jermey Walker, Madison Moore, Lana Claire Moore, Camille Collins, Carleigh Collins, Adeline Maynard, Anderson Collins, Schae Cox, and Drake Cruise; a great-great-grandchild, Colton Conner; and a sister, Dorothy George of Ararat, VA. The Collins family would like to thank the staff of Mountain Valley Hospice for their guidance, support, and comfort during the last few weeks as well as her caregivers, Delsie Montgomery, Linda Tucker, Rinita True, and Sharon Webster, for their help and love in making Mrs. Collins wishes to remain at her home possible. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at 11:00 AM at Unity Church in Ararat, VA, with the Rev. Buford Jessup officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the fellowship hall, and other times at the home of Darwin and Vickie Collins, 4636 Claudville Highway, Claudville, VA. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to Unity Church, c/o Georgie Anderson, 400 Mears Road, Claudville, VA 24076. Moody Funeral Home in Mount Airy is assisting the Collins family.