GREENFIELD
Wilma J. Collins, born November 2, 1929, the daughter of W. Forest (Jake) Burden and Mary Ruth (Stantz) Burden, passed away on July 6, 2024, at Springhurst Health Campus in Greenfield, at the age of 94.
Wilma was a 1947 graduate of Brownstown High School. On February 18, 1950, she married Ceward V. Collins at the Fortville Christian Church, and they were married for over 60 years until the time of his passing on February 4, 2011.
Wilma retired from AT&T in 1983 after over 30 years of service. She was a 65-year member of the Fortville United Methodist Church, now Gateway Church. She recently attended Amity Community Church.
Besides working at Indiana Bell and later AT&T, Wilma devoted her time exclusively to her family. For many years she spent her winters in their home in El Jobean, FL. Her children and grandchildren were lucky to be able to use that home as a vacation spot as well.
Wilma was an avid reader, especially romance novels. For many years she always had a book in her hand. Until recently, due to Macular Degeneration, she enjoyed her books and newspaper puzzles, such as Sudoku and crossword puzzles.
In recent years, she struggled with the debilitating disease of Dementia. After a fall at home and a stay at the hospital, she was transferred to Springhurst Health Campus, where after 1 1/2 months, she passed away. She said quite frequently that she wanted to go home; and on July 6, 2024 (son Steve’s birthday) she did go home to be with Jesus and her Lord.
Wilma is survived by children, Deborah (James) Tatom of Wilkinson; R. Rene (Mike) White of Fishers; Steven V. Collins of Greenfield and 6 grandchildren, Shane (Amber) Tatom, Chad (Melissa) Tatom, Trisha (Troy) Fajardo, Nathan (Amy) White , Ashli (Steve) Vickers and Derek (Emily)White; 11 great-grandchildren; 9 great great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Preceding her in death were her husband Ceward V. Collins, her parents, siblings Betty Jo Parks, Maxine Allman, Martha Simmons, and Charles Burden, and great granddaughter Claire Tatom on July 4, 2005.
A funeral to celebrate Wilma’s life will be held at 12:30 pm on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Seals Funeral Home, Fortville. Friends may call on Saturday from 10:00 am until the time of service. Burial will follow at Gravel Lawn Cemetery, Fortville. Memorial contributions may be made to Susan G. Comen for the Cure 3500 DePauw Blvd. Suite 2070 Indianapolis, IN 46268. Online condolences may be shared at www.sealsfuneralhome.com.
