Legacy of Service: Stephen Edward Collins Honors Parents with Scholarship Fund for Shady Spring High School

Stephen Edward Collins established the “Anna M. Collins & John Maynard Collins Scholarship Fund” with a testamentary gift to benefit Shady Spring High School. This fund also serves as a permanent memorial to his parents John Maynard and Anna Margaret Maddy Collins. Mr. and Mrs. Collins were both Raleigh County educators who had taught for a number of years at Shady Spring High School. 

“Love of God, country and family were Steve's overriding attributes and key reasons that he wanted to establish the Anna M Collins & John Maynard Collins Scholarship Fund. As a long time member of the Shaw Heights Baptist Church, he had a history of giving to those less fortunate than himself. He spent 4 years in The Virginia Tech Corps of Cadets, bringing his Shady Spring trumpeting skills to the Highty-Tighties Marching Band. He proudly served twenty years in the Air Force with tours throughout the U.S. and many of its worldwide allies. His parents were especially important to him. His mother, Anna, spent several years at Shady Spring High School teaching English. It is in memory of his parents, understanding the importance of a good education, and being able to help young students that he set up this scholarship fund.”

— Rett S. Summerville | A Friend for over 40 years

Stephen was born in May 1941 in Beckley. After high school, Steve graduated from Virginia Tech and received his master’s degree from Wayne State University. He served over 20 years in the U.S. Air Force retiring as a major. A longtime member of Shaw Heights Baptist Church in Sumter County, SC he served many years as a deacon. An avid boater, collector, and woodworker he was active in the Sumter community.
 
Anyone interested in donating to this fund may mail contributions with “Collins Scholarship Fund” in the memo to BAF, 1210 South Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801 or click the button below to donate online. If you are interested in starting a scholarship fund or leaving a legacy gift, call BAF at 304-253-3806 or email [email protected].

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