Collins, Mary Simpkins

Mary Frances Simpkins Collins, 81, of Staffordsville, went to be with the Lord on Friday, July 1, 2011 at New River Valley Medical Center. She was born December 29, 1929 in Springdale, the daughter of the late Early Houston and Kate James Simpkins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Warren (Jack) Collins; a sister, Margaret Tabor; a brother, Jim Simpkins; a brother-in-law, George Bennett.

Mary was a member of the New Village Pentecostal Holiness Church and a lover of flowers and wild animals.

She is survived by three sons and daughters-in-law, William (Buddy) and Sharon Collins of Pearisburg; Barry and Diane Collins of Pulaski; David and Dee Collins of Bland; one daughter and son-in-law, Brenda and Steve Harrell of Little Creek; 9 grandchildren, Shannon Collins, Valerie and David Alderman, Amber and Steve Martin, Jessica Harrell, Randa, Sarah and Evan Collins; 6 great-grandchildren, Sierra Martin, Brent Harrell, Gavin and Zoey Blankenship, Keaton and Erin Alderman; three brothers and sisters-in-law, Don and Marie Simpkins of Charlottesville, Ronnie and Sylvia Simpkins of Ruckersville, and Newton and Tamra Simpkins of Draper; two sisters and brother-in-law, Louise and Walter Kirk of Rich Creek; Carol Bennett of Springdale; two sisters-in-law, Hattie Collins and best friend, Estelle Bales; and a number of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 10 a.m. at the New Village Pentecostal Holiness Church in Staffordsville with the Rev. Terry Mays officiating. Burial will be in the Hamblin Cemetery, Berton. Visitation will be Sunday after 2 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at the A. Vest & Sons Funeral Home, White Gate.