Roberta Olive Collins, 93, of Bradenton Florida, passed away peacefully on December 11, 2023. She passed from this earth to her heavenly home after an incredible life. She left a larger-than-life legacy through her unselfish acts of kindness. She lived a life of service to her community through her church, Trinity United Methodist, and her dedication to the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic organization. She left her mark quietly without needing to be in the spotlight and will be forever missed.
Roberta was born on May 1, 1930, to Leonard and Lucy Gilmore in Coshocton, OH. She grew up on an apple and peach orchard and raised chickens and cows. She graduated from Coshocton High School where she sang in the choir and played the trombone like her father, Leonard.
She went on to study at Saint Luke's Hospital in Cleveland to become a Registered Nurse. Roberta slipped on some ice and broke her leg at the start of her studies and in Roberta fashion, booted up, powered thru while balancing her little white nurse's cap. She rode the bus home most weekends to help with the family’s needs.
In 1953, her high school sweetheart, John Collins, proposed through long-distance love letters. John was in the Air Force. During their Air Force years, they lived in Texas where their son, Stuart was born. Next, they were stationed in Alaska where Clark was born. Alaska was still a territory, and the State Constitution was being written. Roberta, while being a young mom, also worked in hospitals in both Texas and Alaska.
After the Air Force, they moved to Bradenton and both worked at Manatee Memorial Hospital. Roberta was a labor and delivery nurse who specialized in taking care of the nursery. Most of her years at the hospital, she worked the night shift and retired in 1992. Their daughter, Kathy was born during this time.
Roberta became a member of Trinity United Methodist Church right away. She was very active in choir and the United Methodist Women's group. She was a member of the Mary Martha Circle and Joy Circle. She enjoyed being in the presence of her church family and did a lot of volunteer work, including the church office, thrift store, and Wednesday night dinners, to name just a few.
Roberta was also a 62-year, loyal member of the Order of the Eastern Star and volunteered as their secretary for over 25 years. She was the Worthy Matron of Manatee Chapter No. 14 twice. The second time John served alongside her as the Worthy Patron. Roberta enjoyed the ritualistic work that espoused the values of the Eastern Star, loyalty, charity, friendship, and loving kindness, which deepened her belief to help others first.
John and Roberta continued their travels including many stops in Europe, Rome, Finland and Greece. They set off to The Holy Land and rode camels in Egypt. Some of their tours were with Educational Opportunities, their beloved family, and dear church friends.
Another one of their passions was the theatre, and Opera Guild. Most Saturdays their home was filled with different Arias and operatic music. John and Roberta spent many nights watching opera movies. Their kids preferred rock and roll but learned to appreciate their musical enjoyment and knowledge.
Anyone fortunate to be in Roberta’s presence knew she was kind and giving. She also carved out time to train to be a Hospice volunteer and sit with Hospice patients, to give their caretakers a needed break. Most who crossed her path, whether it be through work, church, volunteering, or the Order of the Eastern Star, knew she prioritized charity for all mankind and the importance of helping others.
Roberta is survived by her sons, Stuart (Sonia), Clark (Yoona), and daughter, Kathy VanZant (Doug). She was blessed with 7 granddaughters, Jessica, Tiffany, Carlee, Lucy, Kelly, Michelle and Rachel. She was also honored with 7 great-grandchildren, Alexa, Brandon, Taylor, Mason, Preston, Chandler and Zelda. She is preceded in death by John, her loving husband of 67 years.
A Celebration of Life Service will be 11 AM, Saturday, January 6, 2023, at the Trinity United Methodist Church, followed by her ashes being entombed in Trinity’s Memorial Garden, and a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Brown & Sons Funeral Homes & Crematory 43rd Street Chapel, is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations may be made to The Altar Guild at Trinity United Methodist Church, 3200 Manatee Avenue W, Bradenton, FL 34205.
