Sandra Collins

Sandra Smith Collins, 80, of Newberry, died on Friday, February 10, 2023, at her residence. Her family will be receiving friends at her home, 1407 Azalea Drive, Newberry.

Born on January 1, 1943, she was the first baby born in Greenwood County that year. She was the daughter of the late Charles David Lumpkin Smith and Ruby Odell Twitty Smith. She was a graduate of Lander College, with a degree in Biology. She worked various jobs, such as a switchboard operator, a secretary, and a waitress for one day, until she found her calling as a high school teacher at Mid-Carolina High School in Prosperity, SC. She worked hard and was a dedicated educator. She was promoted to the head of the science department, where she taught Genetics, AP Biology and Anatomy and Physiology. She made an impression on her students throughout the years, and many of them kept in touch with her. After she retired, she taught at the Adult Education Center for several years. She made a difference to many young people throughout her life. She truly cared and helped many succeed. She was a wonderful mother to three children and dedicated her life to her family, especially her four grandchildren. She volunteered at Newberry County Memorial Hospital for many years, where she helped bring cheer to patients. She loved her Clemson Tiger Football and made several trips to see them play in the playoffs and National Championships. She was an active member of First Baptist Church of Newberry. She loved The Lord and shared His love with others.

She was the wife of the late Lacy Harris Collins and was a dedicated army wife for many years. She is survived by two daughters, Andrea Collins Hawkins (Jay) of Newberry and Jaime Collins Teraoka (Michael) of Irmo, one son, Bryan Harris Collins (Jennifer) of Lexington, and grandchildren, Ethan and Lacy Hawkins of Newberry and Aaron and Evelyn Teraoka of Irmo, as well as many nieces, nephews and her dog, Buddy.

She was predeceased by her sisters, Jolene Smith Lander and Bonnie Smith Malasky.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM at First Baptist Church of Newberry on Sunday, February 12, 2023. The family will receive friends following the service in the Sanctuary.

Memorials can be made to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, 1040 Boundary Street, Newberry, SC 29108, Oliver Gospel Mission, 1100 Taylor St, Columbia, SC 29201and St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis TN, 38105.

The family would like to thank the many caregivers and friends for their love and support over this past year.