Thelma Rae Collins was born on September 11, 1938, in Kansas City, Missouri, and departed this life on April 29, 2026, at Sharp Memorial Hospital in San Diego, California.
Her parents; Dennis P. Evans Jr. and Nina Evans Houston, her husband Lawrence Edward Collins, and her brother Dennis P. Evans III, all preceded her in death.
Thelma attended Kansas City public schools and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956. A lifelong learner, she studied at Monterey Peninsula Junior College and San Diego City College before earning a Master of Science Degree in Social Work from San Diego State University in 1974. Thelma accepted Christ at an early age and remained active in church throughout her life.
She married her high school sweetheart, Lawrence Edward Collins, and together they were blessed with four children. Following Lawrence’s service in the United States Navy, the family lived in Norfolk, Virginia, before settling in San Diego, California.
Thelma devoted her early years to raising her children before beginning a career with the County of San Diego Child Protective Services Agency in the mid-1970s. She spent many years protecting children and later served as an officer of the court, providing expert testimony on their behalf. In 1994, she was honored as Social Worker of the Year before retiring from the County of San Diego. She later advocated for individuals and families impacted by the AIDS epidemic, working tirelessly to ensure all people were treated with dignity and respect.
Thelma was deeply involved in her children’s activities, volunteering with the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Little League, and the Will Angier PTA, where she became the first Black PTA president in San Diego.
A devoted Christian, Thelma served faithfully at Second Baptist Church of Linda Vista and later at Church of Christ, 61st and Division. She was known for her vast knowledge of scripture and her willingness to encourage others.
Thelma lived a life of servant leadership through organizations including the League of Women Voters, NAACP, Chicano Federation, and the San Diego Colonial Belles. Known lovingly as “Goose”, she brought joy, wisdom, and laughter wherever she went.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children; Lawrence (Lenore), Nina (James), Van, and Margo, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and many dear friends.
