Mrs. Lois Jeanette Moran Collins

Lois Jeanette Moran Collins, 90, of Roanoke went peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Thursday, February 11, 2021. A great reunion (everyone knows how she loved reunions) with husband, Wesley Alton Collins; parents Dewey and Hazel Moran; two infant siblings, Leo Moran and Rosemary Moran; brother, Russell Moran; son-in-law Michael Dooley.
Surviving her are her children Wanda Dooley, John Collins and Jennifer Bobbitt (Eddie); brother, Ralph Moran (Shelby); grandchildren, Kenny Dooley (Linden), Chris Bobbitt (Mikala) and Kaitlyn Bobbitt; great-grandchildren, MaKinley, Mason and Caleb Bobbitt, Wyatt Dooley; special friends, Wanda Ross and Mildred Holland; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Lois was born on March 22, 1930 in Roanoke. At the age of 4, her family moved to Poages Mill and she started school at Back Creek. At age 7, her family moved to Copper Hill and she attended Mt Pleasant School through 7th grade. Mt Pleasant school was a two room school in sight of her home, and sometimes she would be the only student in class. Eventually, she then graduated from Check High School in 1947. She loved high school reunions and seldom missed one.
She went to work in 1947, as a sewing machine operator at Roanoke Mills and then to Kenrose from 1950-1975. She also worked at Lady Bird Apparel from 1975-1979. In 1979, she received a call to fulfill a manager’s position at Halmode Federal Credit Union. She retired from Halmode in 1995 after 17 years. She had worked in credit unions on committees at Kenrose, and as Treasurer Manager at Lady Bird. She was awarded “Employee of the Year” in 1995 from the Roanoke Valley Chapter of Credit Unions.
Lois married Wesley in 1947 and were married for 44 years. They bought their home and lived in Garden City where they raised three loving children. Things were tough at times, but there were lots of happy times. When she was expecting Wanda, she had to quit work. Wesley was not working at that time. Thankfully he was hired at Howell’s Motor Freight and remained there (accident free) until retiring. The happiest times were when she spent time with her children and watched them grow into the beautiful people that they are today.
Lois was also a member of Garden City Baptist Church for over 45 years, where she was President of the TTT class as well as member of Pairs and Spares. She joined Melrose Baptist in 2006, where she served as President of the Victory Sunday Class, a greeter, and Benevolent Committee.
In 1998, she moved into Edinburgh Square where she came to know many friends and neighbors. She wishes to thank Jennifer and Donna for all the good times and help. She also served as Secretary and Treasurer of the E.S. Residents Association and would send rose buds to all deceased members. Lois became known as the “Rose Lady” for starting this program. Lois also volunteered with the L.O.A. at Our Lady of the Valley for four years at the age of 78.
Lois loved playing cards with friends, especially Wanda Ross. She also was a phenomenal seamstress and loved to crochet and read christian romance books.
Among her greatest accomplishments was being in TOPS (Take Off Pounds Sensibly) starting in 1993. She gained KOPS status after reaching her goal weight and became a Chapter Queen. She remained at her goal weight for 26 years. When she was in KOPS, she worked to help others focus on losing weight.
Last, being with family was most important to her. She had a cute smile whenever she saw her family come around (which was very often). She would color with her grandchildren and would teach them how to play cards and sew.
Lois loved her Lord, Jesus with her whole heart and dedicated her life to serving Him. She also lived out her faith by example and taught her family how to live by faith.
Lois left an incredible legacy that will live on for generations to come.
“It matters not when you are born or die, it is what you do in the dash that counts.”
The family request in lieu of flowers donations be made to the Salvation Army Red Lodge or Roanoke Rescue Mission.
A celebration of Lois’s life will be held 12 noon, Wednesday, February 17, 2021 at Lotz Funeral Home, 1001 Franklin Road, Roanoke with Pastor Mark Mofield officiating burial will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11 to 12 prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.lotzfuneralhomeroanoke.com