Sheila Marie Collins-Smith

Sheila Marie Collins Smith, daughter of the late William Spears and Mary (Collins) Jones, was born on Tuesday, August 28, 1945, in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Sheila was a graduate of John Harris High School, class of 1964, and then attended Howard University to study Journalism, later earning a degree in Journalism from HACC. Her love for writing, creativity, and art led her to graduate from the Antonelli School of Photography in Philadelphia, PA. Sheila was employed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Public Welfare, in Harrisburg, PA. She later provided employment assistance to the late Harold James, worked as a staff photographer for the House of Representatives, and contributed her writing skills to the Signifyn’ Harlem Literary Journal, the Scoop Newsletter, and the Philadelphia Tribune. She ultimately retired from the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) after many years of dedicated service. Her work ethic, talent, and passion for communication left a lasting impact on every space she touched. A gifted artist and writer, Sheila was deeply involved in the arts community. She was a proud member of the Dauphin County Arts Council, the Perry County Arts Council, the Sister Arts Community, and the Poetry Society of New York. Her published book, preserved in the National Archives, stands as a testament to her creative voice and legacy. On Friday, November 21, 2025, at the age of eighty, Sheila peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at The Gardens at West Shore Skilled Facility. She was preceded in death by her parents. She leaves to cherish lasting memories and love her sons, Eugene Brown, Joseph R. Smith, and Doug Smith (Denelle); her daughter, Elayne Brown; her sisters, Marcia Beasley (Hyle), Carolyn Gathers (Julius), and Marilyn Cleland (Eural); her brothers, Ronald Jones (Deb) and Daryl “Steve” Jones; seven grandchildren; thirteen great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and a host of extended family, relatives and friends. FAMILY AND FRIENDS ARE ENCOURAGED TO CLICK ON THE SHARE A MEMORY TAB TO POST VIDEOS, SHARE MEMORIES, CONDOLENCES, REFLECTIONS OR SIMPLY LEAVE YOUR NAME. Flower delivery, 8:30 a.m., Saturday, December 6, at WFD.

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Sheila Marie Collins-Smith

August 28, 1945 - November 21, 2025