Velma Jane Collins

Velma Jane Collins, born June 19, 1932, in Phillipsburg, Kansas, passed on to Heaven peacefully on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Prescott Arizona. Velma was lovingly known as Velm to her husband, Mom to her children and Grammie to her grandkids. Born to Virgil and Nina Coatney, she had two siblings, Boyd Coatney (passed) and Norma Wagner (passed). Velma grew up in the Ozarks and moved to California from Willow Springs Missouri a few years after she married Eddie Collins, her husband, which was in June of 1948. Mom went on to get her Bachelor of Arts Teaching Degree from San Francisco State University with Post Grad work at UCLA and Pepperdine. Velma had 2 children, Bruce and Corinne Collins.
Velma worked for over 30 plus years as a First and Second Grade Teacher in California. Velma was widowed in 2014 after 65 plus years of marriage to Eddie. She is survived by her Son - Bruce Collins, Daughter in-law, Pam Collins, Daughter - Corinne Collins, Son-in law - John Virag, Grandchildren - Keith Collins and Cole Carter and Great Granddaughters, Haven and Harlow Collins.
Velma loved her years as a Teacher and had many friendships throughout her teaching career. She was very respected in her field. She also loved to read all kinds of books, but her favorites besides the Bible, were Mystery novels. Many that took place in beautiful countries and cities all over the World. Velma was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis in 1981 and struggled for the rest of her years with this disease, but always with a positive attitude, rarely complaining. She was unable to travel to the many places she would have loved to see, and there is a saying that "Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are". She embraced this philosophy. She also enjoyed many BBC Mystery Series on Television and watched some over and over again through the years.
Velma was also an avid knitter and crocheter. She was part of a group called "The Knotty Ladies" who knitted and crocheted caps for children and adults with cancer. She also perfected a technique called Broomstick Lace for Prayer Shawls and taught many others this technique as a passing legacy. Even in hospice and throughout her many illnesses in her last year of life, she continued to crochet and knit - a cap for her son and blanket for her daughter and other items for her grandsons.
Velma, although not part of the Digital age, did not let that stop her. She got a Mac Computer and went to the Geek Squad classes to learn how to use it and was active on Facebook and Email as well as on her Smartphone for texting and other communication. When her illness no longer allowed her to attend Church, having her computer skills she could watch her Church Services on the Internet from her favorite Church South Shores in Laguna Niguel, California.
Velma loved spending time with her Children and Grandchildren, and she kept up with their lives faithfully throughout her lifetime.
Velma was a devout Christian and was a Beacon for so many sharing her steadfast faith despite her illness always bearing positive witness for the Lord.
Velma was a Beloved Soul – a wonderful and loving Wife, Mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. Many of her Kids' friends expressed great love, respect and admiration for her and some wished she had been their Mother.
Velma will be sorely missed by her family and friends but is now reunited in Heaven with Eddie, her Sister Norma, her Mom, Nina and most importantly with the Lord.
Services will be held Saturday, February 1, 2025, 10:00 a.m. at El Toro Memorial Park, Graveside, 25751 Trabuco Rd, Lake Forest, CA 92630. Velma will be laid to rest with her beloved husband Eddie.
The Family requests that in lieu of Flowers, Donations be made to: The Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation.