Virginia Louise Johnson Collins, 89, of Christiansburg, Va., met with her Lord on Monday, May 8, 2017. She was born in Boissevain to the late George Thornhill Johnson and the late Mary Elizabeth (Snell) Johnson. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Luther Elwood Collins; stepfather, Thomas Jackson Boothe; granddaughter, Kristin Noelle (Collins) Martin; two sisters-in-law and two brothers-in-law.
Louise and family became residents of Christiansburg in the 1950’s where she retired in February 1990 from the Montgomery County Public Schools. She cherished all the wonderful friends with whom she worked and never forgot, and the children that made her laugh. She was a devoted member of St. Paul United Methodist Church; a strong patriot with an avid interest in history. She loved working in her flowers, sewing, cooking, and being with family and friends. Of all her talents, her greatest gift was her love of family, church and friends.
She is survived by her son, Frazier Elwood Collins and wife, Jane, of Christiansburg; daughter, Diana Elizabeth Collins, of Blacksburg; grandson, Byron Johnson Collins and wife, Melissa (Hughes); and great-grandsons, Ty Frazier, Camden James and Brenten Johnson, all of Suffolk, Va.; great-grandsons, Adam Nicholas and Gabriel Phillip Martin; Gregory Heath Loar and wife, Melissa (Jenkins); and great-great-grandchildren, Matthew, Alexa and expectant baby girl, all of Christiansburg, Va.; brother-in-law, Charles Collins and wife, Levona of Pocahontas, Va., and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be no formal visitation. Louise desired a family and friend gathering for a Celebration of Life at St. Paul United Methodist Church, Saturday, May 13, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. followed by a Graveside Service at Sunset Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. officiated by Rev. Neal Turner. In lieu of flowers, Louise asked donations be made to your charity in memory of her granddaughter, Kristen Collins Martin.
The family would like to thank the nursing and medical staff at Montgomery Hospital, 4th floor, who were most professional, attentive and caring during our mother’s long stay. Also, we want to thank her many friends for their prayers, visits, cards and phone calls. You were very special to her.