Lora Anita Dye-Collins

Born in Terrell, Texas, the oldest of eight children, Anita lived with her grandmother until moving to California at the age of 16. From there, she built her career, family, and community.

Anita married Melvin Tyree Collins in 1964, and they remained married until his death in 1977. Their marriage sired 2 children: Montece Collins and Shanita Collins, born in 1965 and 1968, respectively. And even though she had only two biological children, Anita became a mother figure to so many others. For some she was their only source of support and comfort.

In her youth, she became a faithful member of Prayer Garden Church of God in Christ, where she sang in the choir. The Prayerettes and The Crusaders. She eventually became first vice president of the Singspiration choir, where she provided both administrative and spiritual support.

During her tenure at Evergreen Valley College, Anita ensured that students had classes taught by African American instructors and access to mentorship and tutoring. She fed them when they were hungry, taught their summer classes, and organized field trips to colleges/universities to inspire her students to continue their education. This earned her the “Educator of the Year “Award.

After 25 years of service, Anita retired and returned to Texas with her family, where she lived until her final sunset.

Anita wants to be remembered for her generosity and devotion to Jesus Christ. She loved helping people and would regularly open her home to those in need. She knew the importance of expressing her devotion through action for others to model after and believed that more blessings came from giving and not receiving.

“WHEN SOMEBODY NEEDS HELP, SEE WHAT YOU CAN DO TO HELP THEM.GOD KNOWS I DID THAT TOO. IT DOESN'T MATTER HOW SMALL IT IS. JUST LET THEM KNOW YOU LOVE THEM, AND GOD WILL LOVE YOU FOR THAT.

-Lora Anita Dye Collins

Only God knows how many prayers she sent up to him, how many hugs and words of encouragement she willingly provided, and how much life she breathed into her loved ones.

Anita loved her family, especially her grand and great-grandchildren. Her home was often the place where birthdays and holidays were held, and she did her best to show up and celebrate all accomplishments.

We will always remember her laugh, her crooked smile, her cooking, and her warmth.But most importantly, we will remember her as a fighter.

“LOVE ONE ANOTHER, NO MATTER WHAT MISTAKES. ALWAYS LOVE YOUR BLOOD BECAUSE FAMILY MEANS EVERYTHING.”

-Lora Anita Dye Collins

Visitation will be held at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 South R.L., Dallas, TX 75232, US, on March 17, 2026, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am, followed by the Funeral at Laurel Land Funeral Home, 6300 South R.L., Dallas, TX 75232, US, on March 17, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am.

Committal will take place at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75211, US, on March 17, 2026, from 1:15 pm to 1:30 pm.

LIVESTREAM LINK: https://youtube.com/live/ePhBCCedNkw?feature=share