Obituary of Vera Collins Walker

Vera Collins Walker of Cedar Grove passed away peacefully in her home on March 1, 2024.  She is now reunited in God’s kingdom with the love of her life Mr. Harold E. Walker.  The fifth of ten children of Joel Solomon Collins and Ola Mae McManus Collins she is survived by her sister Jane Collins Kirkland of Chapel Hill and her brother Glen G. Collins (Betty Collins) of Durham.   Mrs. Walker was preceded in death by her brothers Bruce W. Collins, Billy Collins, Edward E. Collins, Dr. Bobby Collins and Don Collins.   One of four girls in the family, Vera was preceded in death by her sisters Catherine Madry and Jo Earp.

Vera’s spirit and lessons will be carried forward into future generations by too many nieces, nephews, great and recently great great to name. 

She was an active member of Mars Hill Baptist Church for most of her 102 years.  Her accomplishments and accolades as a member of the church and the community were numerous.   Vera was very proud of her service to the school system as a substitute teacher.  If you were lucky enough to be around town with her she would often see many people who recognized her from her years as a substitute.   Vera received many service awards from the Orange County Home Demonstration Club and was chosen to bake and present a pound cake to Eleanor Roosevelt.  In 1992 the Reverend Curtis Tyler of Mars Hill Baptist Church convinced her to become the first female Deacon of Mars Hill.  A service she treasured and became very proud of being the first woman to serve in that capacity. 

Vera held her photographic memory until her death.   She was a writer, poet and storyteller who never forgot a detail.  

She was very clear that her role as farm wife to her beloved Harold was her most treasured job.  Side by side they farmed hundreds of acres of land around the Orange Lake/Cedar Grove community producing corn, soybeans, and tobacco.  

A master seamstress and gardener, most of the nieces and nephews can trace her sewing skills to their own school pictures as well as beautiful vegetable and flower gardens from the lessons she taught.  Her crochet Barbie dresses, handcrafted Raggedy Ann and Andy dolls, Christmas reindeer, and stuffed animals number in the hundreds if not thousands. 

She lived every day to the fullest and never stopped pushing herself for excellence.   Vera’s passing leaves a void in the family and the community that no one will ever fill but we are so happy for her to be in the arms of the Lord and her family in heaven.    

We would like to extend a special thank you to Mrs. Jennifer Evans of Chapel Hill for her love and dedication.  Her efforts and unwavering commitment to Miss Vera made it possible for her last year on this earth to be extraordinary.  

Visitation will be held at Walkers Funeral Home in Hillsborough NC Monday March 4 from 5-7pm.   The funeral service will be Tuesday March 5 at 2 in the afternoon at Mars Hill Baptist Church in Hillsborough with graveside service and reception for friends and family to follow.  
                                                                                                                                                                
Flowers are welcomed and appreciated, or donations in honor of Vera can be made to Mars Hill Baptist Church.

Walkers Funeral Home is assisting the Walker family.