Thelma Catherine Collins Smith, 83, of Bassett, Virginia, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025, in Appling, Georgia.
Born March 30, 1941, in Durbin, she was a daughter of the late Jess Collins and Madeline Cosner Collins.
Thelma was a 1959 graduate of Green Bank High School.
Thelma dedicated more than 25 years of service to DuPont before retiring. She was a faithful member of Fort Trial Baptist Church. A talented seamstress and baker, she also had a creative spirit and loved crafting.She enjoyed volunteering at the Farmers Market every Saturday and Wednesday and had a deep passion for traveling. She was always active, constantly seeking new things to do. Above all, she cherished spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren, who held a special place in her heart.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Smith, on January 30, 2025; and two brothers, Jessie Charles Collins and Howard David Collins.
She is survived by her daughter, Rita Shelton (Robert), of Harlem, Georgia; son, Stephen Smith, of Raleigh, North Carolina; four grandchildren, Madeline Smith, Parker Smith, Emily Shelton and Nicholas Shelton; great-grandchild, Waylon Morris; brother, Arthur Collins (Karen), of Bartow; sisters, Fay Moore, of Martinsville, Virginia, Joan Lantz, of Durbin, and Ruth Davis (Fraser), of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; as well as a host of extended family members and friends.
Funeral service was held at Bassett Funeral Home in Bassett, Virginia, Thursday, March 6, 2025, with Pastor Joey McNeil officiating.
Burial was in Roselawn Burial Park in Martinsville, Virginia.
