Charlotte Collins Obituary

Charlotte Anne Collins ZIONSVILLE, IN - Charlotte Anne Collins, 79, passed away peacefully on July 30, 2025, at Independence Village West in Zionsville, IN, surrounded by family. A devoted mother, loving wife, a lifelong educator and a quiet force of compassion, Charlotte lived a beautiful life marked by humility, strength, and an unwavering service to others. Born January 31, 1946, in Arbutus, MD, Charlotte was the eldest child of Rev. Walter V. Roe and Anna (Eggers) Roe. Her early formative years were spent in Arbutus, MD and shaped by faith and family. Later her family moved to Winston-Salem, NC during her senior year of high school. Charlotte earned her Bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University and subsequently received a Master's degree in education. She was a beloved Elementary school teacher for many years before pursuing administrative roles as both an Assistant Principal and Principal. She broke the "glass ceiling" for women in Tift County Schools (GA). She encouraged others to embrace lifelong learning and continue the pursuit of knowledge for personal growth. In retirement, inspired by her desire to continue helping children, she received her second Master's degree in social work from Valdosta State University in 2002, and then working with Pediatric care with St. Vincent's Pediatric Hospice Care in Indianapolis, IN. She was preceded in death by her first husband in 1994, Donald A. Dechert 11, with whom she shared eighteen years of marriage. Together, they raised two young children: Donald August Dechert Ill and Anne-Marie Schmitt and Charlotte never missed an opportunity to encourage and support their dreams with unconditional love. In time, Charlotte found love again, and married Randy Collins in 2002. Their union brought renewed joy, laughter and shared beliefs in family and in God. She embraced Randy's family as her own, forming loving bonds with his children - Jenny, Sarah and Phillip - and took great joy in her step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren. Upon marriage, Randy and Charlotte initially resided in Fishers, IN before moving and enjoying fifteen wonderful years in Aiken, SC, prior to returning to Zionsville, IN in 2022 . In her final years, Charlotte was blessed with her husband's unwavering love and companionship along every step of her journey through the "long good-bye" of Alzheimer's. A lifelong Lutheran, she served faithfully in her church as a gifted organist, joyful choir member and leader, and an always-willing volunteer. She is survived by her loving husband of twenty-three years: Randy Collins; her two children: Donald August Dechert Ill and Anne-Marie Schmitt (Dan); and three grandchildren: Luke and Ella Schmitt, and August Dechert; three step-children: Jenny Sullivan (Kent), Sarah Howerton (Mark), Phillip Collins (Melanie); five step-grandchildren and ten step-great-grandchildren; three siblings: Don Roe, Carol Way (Richard), Walter Roe (Donna); nieces and nephews. The Collins' family extends their warmest gratitude to the Independence Village Wellness Team, CorsoCare Hospice Services, Homewell Care Services and My Mobile MD for their wonderful care and support. Services will be on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, 1421 S. Bloomington St., Greencastle, IN, 46135. Visitation from 11am - 1pm; Funeral Service at 1pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: The Alzheimer's Association.