Virginia Tipton Collins

Virginia Mildred Tipton Collins was the first born of nine children to John Kimsey Tipton and Hortense Sestor Rognon Tipton on October 25, 1924 in Robertstown, Georgia. She attended elementary school in Robertstown, GA and high school at Nacoochee Valley High School. She was voted the class poet. Upon graduating from high school, she completed technical training at the North Georgia Technical School in Clarkesville. It was there that she was offered and accepted work during WWII in Warner Robbins, GA, Air Force Base, in the Machine Shop, making parts for airplanes. After two years in Warner Robbins, she came to Atlanta and became a Long Distance Operator for Southern Bell. Starting out at the Churches Home for Girls, she quickly found a room in Decatur with the Mother of one of her co-workers. Being from a resourceful upbringing, she managed her income well, and was able to send presents and money home to her younger brothers and sisters. She met Charles Collins in Decatur and attended Oakhurst Baptist Church with him. They married in 1949 at Union Baptist Church, Robertstown, GA. They lived for 56 years on Greenwood Avenue in Decatur. They were good neighbors. Virginia worked in the lunchroom of Renfro Middle School upon it’s completion while her children were in high school. In later years, they moved to Rome, GA, near their daughter Jennifer. Charles preceded Virginia in death in October 2008.

Surviving are three children; Jennifer Kearns (David), Adairsville, GA, Mark Kimsey Collins (Erin) Suches, GA and Judy Ann Collins, Decatur, GA, one grandson, Patrick Wren Kearns Adairsville, GA. Faith in the Lord carried her through this life with a interest in helping others. She loved animals and always had a dog or cat in the house. Her green thumb produced many beautiful flowers. The people in Rome were so kind to accept her and Charles. She never complained about her transition from Decatur and was so delighted when she could look up and see the sky in Floyd County. The family would like to thank all the caregivers over the years who brought love and respect to Virginia and Charles.

Other survivors include her siblings: Issac George Tipton, Costa Mesa, CA, Tony Lee Tipton, Clarkesville, GA, Mickey Latrelle Wilson, Hiawassee, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by siblings: Jackie Tipton (infant), Andreau Sue Tipton, Joe David Tipton, Billy Gene Tipton and Joyce Anette Duckett.

Donations may be made to the cemetery fund at Union Baptist Church, c/o Mr. Tony Tipton, Clerk, 769 Preacher Campbell Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523

The family received friends at Daniel’s Funeral Home, Rome, GA, on Sunday, May 22, 2016, from 5 until 7 p.m. and a funeral service was held Monday, May 23, 2016, at 12 noon at the Union Baptist Church, near Helen, GA. Interment followed in the church cemetery. Pallbearers were nephews: Bryant Tipton, Jeff Tipton, Mike Duckett, Scott Tipton, Todd Tipton and Dan Barnette.