Anita Sheffield Collins: 1935-2025

VICKSBURG, Miss. — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Anita Sheffield Collins, a devoted mother, cherished grandmother, great grandmother, and dedicated retired schoolteacher, who departed this life peacefully on June 1, 2025, at the age of 90 in her home surrounded by her loved ones.

Mrs. Collins was born March 7, 1935, in Teague, TX and grew up in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. She moved to Vicksburg, MS to teach English, Speech and Drama at All Saints School. After moving to Vicksburg, she met and married the love of her life, John G. Collins.

Mrs. Collins was an Honor’s graduate of Blue Mountain College, and Iowa State University where she received a master’s degree in art and drama. Anita was listed in the Who’s Who among American Colleges and Universities.

She later taught at Cooper High School, Hinds Community College, and retired from Vicksburg High School. Anita sponsored the Debate Club that won many honors during her time at Vicksburg High School. She was an outstanding teacher and spent over 50 years shaping young minds in the classroom, where she was not only a teacher but also a mentor, a role model, and a steady source of encouragement to generations of students. Her love of learning was contagious, and her belief in every child’s potential left a lasting mark on all who knew her.

Outside the classroom, she was very active in the community serving as President of Vicksburg Junior Auxiliary, the Sampler Antique Club, Needlework Guild, Delta Kappa Gamma, and was a member of the Hester Flowers Garden Club. Anita enjoyed her Luncheon Club and was active for over 30 years. She also served on the Zoning Board for the City of Vicksburg. She loved directing plays and she and her husband John spent many happy times acting and directing plays at the Vicksburg Little Theater. She was a member of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church.

After retiring, she enjoyed trips to the beach with her husband John and her dog JenJu.

She is survived by her children Standen Sheffield Collins, his wife Lori Hackler-Collins of Vicksburg and William Gault Collins of Clinton; grandsons, Tristan Howell Collins and John Michael Collins; granddaughter, Kristen Danielle Rennhack; great grandson, Rowan Michael Rennhack; sister Linda M. Sheffield and a host of extended family, friends and former students who will forever cherish her memory. She was preceded in death by her parents, Verlie Leland Sheffield and Ophelia Talley Sheffield, husband, John G Collins; Daughter-in-Law, Melissa, “Leisa” Collins; grandson, Micheal Galen Collins.

A celebration of Anita’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at Glenwood Funeral Home with Rev. Marvin Curtis officiating the service, with visitation beginning at 10 a.m., and services following at 11 a.m., then concluding at Cedar Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be sent to a favorite charity or the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN,39105 or Palmer’s Home, 422 Mississippi 12, Starkville, MS, 39759.

The Vicksburg Daily News publishes obituaries free of charge. Please submit obituaries to info@vicksburgnews.com.