Diane Barbara (Heald) Collins

Diane Barbara (Heald) Collins, age 79, of Vidalia, passed away early Sunday morning, December 14, 2025, at Community Hospice in Vidalia following an extended illness, and just two days shy of her 80th birthday. Her daughter, Shawna Williamson, was her caregiver and was by her side when she passed. Diane was born on December 16, 1945, in Santa Barbara, California to William Vernon Heald and Blanche Ann Niehaus Heald. She lived in Vidalia for over 50 years. Diane was member of Tabernacle Baptist Church where many of her longtime friends attend.

Diane grew up in Santa Maria, California and graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1963. She then went on to work for General Telephone Company as a telephone operator. Diane later settled in Vidalia and raised her three children, and later was employed at Pages Heating and Air for many years. She attended Brewton Parker College and in June of 1994 she received her Associate of Arts with Honors of Cum Laude and was listed twice on the dean’s list. Diane was employed for many years at Pineland Mental Health Day Service as a Certified Peer Specialist, servicing intellectually and developmentally disabled individuals. She retired from Pineland Mental Health in 2012.

Diane loved antiques, and she, along with her other friends who also loved antiques, had a booth at Cobwebs. She enjoyed taking her daily walks and being out in nature where she could see all the different types of birds. Diane also loved getting her friend together to meet, share a meal, and catch up with everyone. She was also a dedicated volunteer trainer for National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Diane was a very loving and devoted mother who was greatly loved by her children and will be terribly missed. She was always there for her friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, William Vernon Heald and Blanche Ann Niehaus Heald.

She is survived by her three children, Shawna Williamson, Troy Collins and Derek Collins, as well as grandsons, Noah Collins and Forrest Collins; her sister, Deborah Darnell and husband Jack of Colorado; one niece, Christine Darnell and one nephew, Brian Darnell, both of California; and numerous cousins.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorial contributions in Diane’s name may be made to Community Hospice Foundation, PO Box 2277, Vidalia, GA 30475 or to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), PO Box 49104, Baltimore, MD 21297.

The obituary was written by Diane’s daughter, Shawna Williamson.

Ronald V. Hall Funeral Home of Vidalia is in charge of arrangements.

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