Etta Herndon Collins

Etta Herndon Collins, 93, of Scottsville, died on Saturday, August 12, 2023 in Charlottesville.

She was born on October 14, 1929, in Fluvanna County, a daughter of the late John Allen and Mary Elizabeth (Hurt) Herndon.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew Jefferson Collins; a son, Stephen Leon Collins; a son-in-law, Tim Cox; a great-grand-daughter, Etta-Kait Stokes; two brothers, Lindsay Herndon, and Leroy Herndon; and two sisters, Leona Engram and Lillian Hamshar.

Etta lived her life in Scottsville, Va until she spent the majority of her later years in Radford, Va. She had a strong faith in her Lord and Savior. It was easily seen by her smile, laughter, joy and active role in Fluvanna Baptist Church, Bethel Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church.

Her love for her family and friends was strong and evident in her giving nature. She was known in the community for her chocolate chess pies and macaroni and cheese. Just as she was commanded by Scripture, she housed, clothed, and fed many throughout her lifetime. She spent hours making crocheted blankets for her great-grandchildren. It was not just her own family children that she loved and enjoyed, but any neighborhood children. She enjoyed their giggles, laughter, and excitement. She welcomed them as they climbed on her and enjoyed their big hugs. Everyone was allowed to call her “Granny”.

She loved to travel with her family and friends. A few of the broader experiences included Greece, Hawaii, Grand Canyon, New England, London, Paris and several cruises. She also drove frequently along the east coast interstate, until age 90, to stay close to friends and family. She was an avid gardener and loved to get her “hands in the dirt”.

She loved singing in the church choir, listening to music and dancing. She was known for dancing with her sons and son-in-law at every wedding reception. Her smile and love of life was energizing and captivating. Although she entered a room capable of making a presence, she was humble, kind and always able to make others feel loved and important.

She served as the Women’s Missionary Union President for the Albemarle Baptist Association. She was the Treasurer for the VFW Auxiliary and served for over 30 years in many capacities for the Cunningham Precinct including Assistant Chief Officer.

A long work history began at age 15 with Randolph Herndon Market. She then met Andrew while working at Bruce's Drug. Later she worked at Morton’s Press, Martin Hardware, and Leggett’s, where she worked for the majority of her career, then Johnson Chevrolet, Fashionality and Fluvanna Day Care. She finished with a servant’s heart providing home care for many family members and friends.

Survivors include four children, Judi Cox of Radford, Virginia, Garry Collins (Katrina), of Anderson, South Carolina, Pamela Driver (Frank) of Scottsville, and David Collins of Roanoke, Virginia; eleven grandchildren, including Stephanie Rhoades (David), Drew King (Jenna), Scott King (Sarah), Whitney Stokes (Rich), Mike Kelly (Jessica), Mackenzie Rash (James), Jackson Collins (Kendall), Blair Worrell (Trey), Brett Bickley (Brooke Albert), Josh Driver and Kaitlin Driver; seventeen great-grandchildren, Jacob Holsapple (Kayla), Logan Holsapple, Allison, Savannah and Cody Rhoades, Regan and Davis King, Margot King, William Stokes, Collins Rash, Peyton and Parker Worrell, Olivia and Katherine Bickley, Elias and Annelise Albert and Nolan Driver; a brother, Floyd Herndon (Courtney). She loved many wonderful cousins, nieces, and nephews and had many close friends throughout the years.

A celebration of life will be conducted on Saturday August 19, 2023 at 2:00 pm at Fluvanna Baptist Church by Pastors Buddy Woodson of Scottsville, VA and Timothy Worles of Radford, VA. A graveside service will immediately follow.

The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm prior to the service at the church.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Etta-Kait Foundation, c/o Calvary Baptist Church, 624 Sixth St., Radford, VA 24141.

Thacker Brothers Scottsville Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.

Family and friends may share memories and photos at www.thackerbrothers.com.

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