Katherine Collins

1925 - 2018

Katherine Knight Collins

August 12, 1925 - April 29, 2018

Rocky Mount

Katherine Knight Collins went to be with her Heavenly Father on April 29, 2018. Katherine was born August 12, 1925 in Patterson, Georgia and was the daughter of the late George W. Knight, Sr. and Tonnie Highsmith Knight. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Luke Collins, Jr.

Katherine leaves to cherish her memory her loving family, which includes her son, Keith Collins and his wife, Tommye Ann, of Nashville; her grandson Christopher Brian Collins and his wife Pattie; and her granddaughter Katherine Ann Collins Castelloe and her husband Kevin. She will also be deeply missed by her great grandchildren Macie and Wyatt Collins; and her brother Dr. George W. Knight, Jr.

Katherine was a member of Englewood United Methodist Church where she was active with the church Prayer Shawl Ministry and was a laywoman with Englewood United Methodist Women (UMW). She was also a member of the Aldersgate Sunday School class where she would teach once a month as well as the Anne Hathaway Book Club and the Englewood Garden Club. Katherine received her B.A. in education from the Mary Washington College of the University of Virginia which is now the University of Mary Washington and her master's Degree in Curriculum and Supervision for East Carolina University.

Following, she taught 6th grade social studies in Virginia before returning to Rocky Mount to teach language arts and social studies for the Rocky Mount City School System. She also served as the Supervisor and Director of Instruction until her retirement in 1987. Even still, Katherine served as the interim Superintendent and as a consultant for a brief period until 1989. She was awarded the Outstanding Educator Award from East Carolina University in 1990 in conjunction with the James W. Batten Distinguished Educator Lecture Series and thus became the first retired educator to receive such recognition.

A member of Delta Kappa Gamma Mu Chapter since 1959, she would go on to hold many offices within the chapter including serving as president from 1966 to 1968 as well as until recent years serving as the Chairwoman of the Rules Committee. Katherine also served on a state level for several committees as well as serving as Second and First Vice President prior to serving as President from 1981 to 1983. Other prominent committees Katherine held included the Planning Committee, Ad Hoc Committee on Committee Structure, Headquarters Committee, as well as the Eta State Standing Rules and By-laws committee and on the international level served on the Insurance Committee and the Ad Hoc Committee to study the position of president-elect. Most notably was that Katherine chaired the Eta State Convention when it was hosted in Rocky Mount.

A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 3, 2018 at 3:00 PM at Englewood United Methodist Church, 300 S. Circle Dr., Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastor Terry Williams officiating. A private burial will take place at Rocky Mount Memorial Park Cemetery. Visitation with the family will held on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Katherine's name to either Englewood United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 7128, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, the DKG Mu Chapter, 716 Prestwick Drive, Nashville, NC 27856, or to Nash Emergency Services, 120 W. Washington Street, Suite 1102, Nashville, NC 27856.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com