Dr. Rhoda Powers Collins

February 1, 1939 - January 8, 2009
Dr. Rhoda Powers Collins


Dr. Rhoda Powers Collins, 69, of Wilmington passed away in her daughter’s arms at New Hanover Regional Medical Center on January 8, 2009 and now resides with Jesus. She was born to Cary and Mabel Powers in St. Pauls, North Carolina on February 1, 1939. She received her college degree in education from The Women’s College of the University of North Carolina. She attained her master’s degree in education from UNC-Chapel Hill and earned her doctorate in education from Duke University. She taught in the North Carolina public schools for many years and went on to teach at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke’s School of Education from 1967-2005. Among many honors she was awarded was her selection to the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the status of Professor Emeritus from UNCP.

She is survived by a daughter, Maria; a son-in-law, Matthew; and two grandsons, Edgeworth and Cary. She has two surviving brothers, Dr. Maurice Powers of Camden, NC and Dr. Neill Powers of Havelock, NC. She also has two deceased siblings, a sister, Phyllis and a brother, Richard.

Her memorial service will be held on January 31, 2009, at 2 PM at St. Pauls United Methodist Church located at 406 W. Broad Street in St. Pauls, NC.

Condolences may be left at http://www.wilmingtonburialandcremation.com/


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  • January 29, 2009
    Debbie Daniel Hurley says:
    Maria, I send my deepest sympathies and love to you and your family. I know this is a difficult time for you, but we all have wonderful memories. Your mother was a great mom, a fantastic teacher, a good friend, and a wonderful person to know. Cherish, as I will, the wonderful memories she has left us all.

  • January 16, 2009
    Peggy McLean says:
    Dear Maria, I never drive on Fayetteville Road without gratitude for memories of you and your mother. She was a dear, gracious, formidable woman, and I am immensely sorry to read about her death. I know that I will not say a truer thing than that you were the delight of her life, and I know that her joy grew exponentially with your marriage and the birth of your sons. You and your family are in my prayers. Love, Peggy

  • January 18, 2009
    Karen Stanley says:
    I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Collins at UNC-Pembroke during the years just prior to her retirement. Her smile was contagious and her words of encouragement invaluable to faculty and students alike. As an educator, she was a fantastic role model. Maria and family members, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time of loss.

  • January 17, 2009
    Ellen E. Rivers says:
    Beloved cousin, you will be so very greatly missed by so many whose lives you so lovingly affected and who were allowed to share in your joy of life.

  • January 17, 2009
    Caroline Rempe says:
    Aunt Rhoda was very special to me and I have wonderful childhood memories of her and Maria. I loved her very dearly and admired her immensely. My love and prayers to Maria and family.