Emily Lynn Vass Collins, born on August 13, 1952, gained her angel wings on Monday, December 14, 2020, at her home in Hillsville, Virginia. Welcoming Emily to her heavenly home were her beloved parents, Emmett and Dina Vass, who preceded her in death.

Left to carry on her legacy of love, faith, and strength is a family who cherished her. Surviving is her husband of fifty-one years, John Collins, of Hillsville. After meeting Emily at a VFW dance, John promptly declared to his friends about the beautiful green-eyed girl in the blue dress, "I'm going to marry her one day."

Anyone close to Emily knew how much her family and friends meant to her. She is survived by daughters Tracy (Matt) Koski of Marysville, Ohio, and Susan (Darin) Byrd of Galax, Virginia. Emily's girls loved her beyond measure. Emily was also the proud grandmother of four grandchildren: Brittany Byrd of Manassas, Virginia; Dylan Koski of Marysville, Ohio; and twins Noah and Nathan Koski of Marysville, Ohio, who proudly call themselves "Nans' boys." Her grandchildren absolutely adored their "Nans" and will treasure all the special memories, traditions, and adventures they shared with her.

A registered nurse at the Southwestern Virginia Training Center for thirty-seven years, Emily was devoted to the residents and her work family. Full of compassion, she always saw the best in others. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in memory of Emily to the charity of the donor's choice or to Special Olympics, as Emily dedicated her entire career to working with individuals with special needs.

Smart, funny, and with a bright smile for everyone, Emily was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. Led by her strong faith and never asking "Why me?", Emily fought cancer with the same grace and courage that she had shown throughout her life, never complaining and always trying to be strong for those around her.

"And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast."

-I Peter 5:10 NIV

A graveside service with burial following will be held on Friday, December 18, 2020 at Webb-Skyview Cemetery at 1:00 PM with Pastor Wendell Horton officiating. Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel in Hillsville, Virginia is serving the family.