Obituary for Armetta J. Collins
Beloved by her family, friends and colleagues, Armetta J. Collins is remembered for her vivacious spirit, warm infectious smile and hearty laugh. She lived life to its fullest.
Armetta was a revered educator. A 1947 graduate of Bluefield State College, Bluefield, West Virginia, Armetta was a pioneer in her time. She grew up in the days of segregation, and yet, as a school teacher served on the front lines in the early years of integration in the Virginia public schools. During her illustrious 37-year teaching career, Armetta taught at Watson Elementary School, AG Richardson Elementary School, and Luther H. Foster High School, which later became Nottoway Senior High School. Believing that achievement and success was within everyone’s reach, Armetta prepared generations of students for life’s challenges with a “no-nonsense” style that was tempered with a fun-loving spirit, warm encouragement and nurturing guidance.
A respected community leader, Armetta was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Blackstone, Virginia for 66 years. She served on several church committees, including the Church Aid Society and held the position of Assistant Church Clerk. Armetta was also one of the founding members of the Les’June Fellis Debutante Society of Nottoway County.
Family was a cornerstone of Armetta’s life. Born to Robert Jasper and Julia Hamm Jasper on April 23, 1925 in Mount Hope, West Virginia, Armetta was raised with her 10 brothers and sisters in “the house on the hill.” She married her college sweetheart, the late Johnie L. Collins and they shared 50 years together. Armetta shared a close bond with her “younger” twin sister, Blonzetta J. Walker. Together the two always displayed a quick wit and were never lost for conversation regaling their family and friends with family stories and tales of great travel adventures.
To her godson, nieces, and nephews she was “Auntie”, who, together with Uncle Johnie, instilled the values of hard work and perseverance, while at the same time offering years of summer fun on the ranch. Great times for all who experienced Auntie’s warmth and caring.
Armetta is survived by her twin sister, Blonzetta J. Walker, her youngest sibling, Janet Gardner, and a clan that includes her sister-in law, her godson and two generations of nieces and nephews.
Armetta and Johnie will once again be joined together to rest in joy and peace in God’s grace.
Funeral Services Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Nottoway, VA.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangement.
Funeral Services Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Nottoway, VA.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangement.
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Armetta was a revered educator. A 1947 graduate of Bluefield State College, Bluefield, West Virginia, Armetta was a pioneer in her time. She grew up in the days of segregation, and yet, as a school teacher served on the front lines in the early years of integration in the Virginia public schools. During her illustrious 37-year teaching career, Armetta taught at Watson Elementary School, AG Richardson Elementary School, and Luther H. Foster High School, which later became Nottoway Senior High School. Believing that achievement and success was within everyone’s reach, Armetta prepared generations of students for life’s challenges with a “no-nonsense” style that was tempered with a fun-loving spirit, warm encouragement and nurturing guidance.
A respected community leader, Armetta was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church of Blackstone, Virginia for 66 years. She served on several church committees, including the Church Aid Society and held the position of Assistant Church Clerk. Armetta was also one of the founding members of the Les’June Fellis Debutante Society of Nottoway County.
Family was a cornerstone of Armetta’s life. Born to Robert Jasper and Julia Hamm Jasper on April 23, 1925 in Mount Hope, West Virginia, Armetta was raised with her 10 brothers and sisters in “the house on the hill.” She married her college sweetheart, the late Johnie L. Collins and they shared 50 years together. Armetta shared a close bond with her “younger” twin sister, Blonzetta J. Walker. Together the two always displayed a quick wit and were never lost for conversation regaling their family and friends with family stories and tales of great travel adventures.
To her godson, nieces, and nephews she was “Auntie”, who, together with Uncle Johnie, instilled the values of hard work and perseverance, while at the same time offering years of summer fun on the ranch. Great times for all who experienced Auntie’s warmth and caring.
Armetta is survived by her twin sister, Blonzetta J. Walker, her youngest sibling, Janet Gardner, and a clan that includes her sister-in law, her godson and two generations of nieces and nephews.
Armetta and Johnie will once again be joined together to rest in joy and peace in God’s grace.
Funeral Services Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Nottoway, VA.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangement.
Funeral Services Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at Shiloh Baptist Church, Blackstone with interment in the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Nottoway, VA.
W.E. Hawkes & Son Funeral Home of Blackstone in charge of arrangement.
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