Mrs. Shundra Collins-Smith Obituary February 21, 1966 - A bright star was born in Orlando, Florida; the fourth child of Charles and Pearl Collins. They named her Shundra Jonette Collins. She attended Orange Center Elementary and graduated from Jones High School. Her friends remember her as outgoing; fun-loving, athletic, participating in a lot of sports; with a radiant smile that drew people to her. Shundra developed an interest in food and nutrition and went on to complete several technical certificates in the food service industry. Her lifelong career fulfilled her passion for food from her first job working for Gilchrist Enterprises at the first McDonalds on the Navy Base, to her final position as an Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program Assistant for the UF/IFAS Extension, Orange County; where she worked from 2008 until her passing. Like a beautiful flower, Shundra grew wherever she was planted. From her school years to her work years, her engaging personality and brilliant smile inspired the people she touched to become her lifelong friends. Shundra was raised in the Mt. Sinai Seventh-day Adventist Church from its early beginnings on Parramore Street. She expressed gratitude to her grandmother Mary Collins for laying a strong spiritual foundation that she could always return to even after wandering away for a while. In 2002, she returned to Mt. Sinai, and in 2003, experienced the rebirth of baptism under the pastoral leadership of Pastor Brent Waldon. She never looked back. Shundra embraced her new walk in Christ with her usual incredible energy. Recognizing that joyful living begins with joyful giving, she responded "yes!" to every request for assistance. She served faithfully in the following church departments: Hospitality, Family Life Ministries, Technology, Treasury, Community Services, Health Ministries, Home and School and Mt. Sinai Junior Academy PTSA, Youth Choir, Adult Choirs, Pathfinders, Adventurers, and Women's Varsity Basketball team. Shundra was not just Mt. Sinai's longest serving hospitality department leader; she also served on every hospitality committee since 2003. Shundra's dedication to service knew no boundaries. She was a founding member of Kings Daughters Chapter III, but it was Kings Daughter's Chapter II that crowned her "Queen of Service" in 2013 for her years of commitment preparing the annual reception for their Scholarship for Tots pageant. The Kings Daughters is a national women's philanthropic organization serving local communities through caring for the elderly and providing youth development programs and scholarships for education. Shundra's greatest source of pride and joy was being mother to her four children: Christopher, Dominique, Ki'Andra, and her baby Jasmine. She fought with every breath in her body to give them a better life. She held nothing back and used "tough love" to instill in them the character traits necessary for a successful, productive life. She deeply believed and lived by Isa 54:13 "All your children shall be taught of the Lord and great will be their peace" and made incredible sacrifices to ensure that her three girls received a Christian Education. As she prayed to live but made plans in the event of her passing, she placed her children in a network of support with people she trusted to complete her vision and dreams for them. In July 2011, Shundra was diagnosed with breast cancer metastasis. As she began her chemo treatments in August, she vowed to fight to live and to share her testimony with all who would listen. In her lectures, she would stress the importance of regular breast self-exams and scheduled mammograms for early detection and treatment. Shundra's battle was a long and hard one; yet with much evidence of God's love and miraculous interventions along the way. As her illness took a turn for the worse following surgery on October 25, 2013, Shundra's faith and trust in her Heavenly Father never wavered. Her response to all questions and concerns regarding her health was "God has the last word." Indeed He does! On New Year's Day 2014, Shundra went to sleep in the arms of Jesus. It is no coincidence that the night before, after the Elders, family, and friends prayed with her and anointed her body with oil, her last spoken words were, "Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!" While we are heartbroken at the loss of our beloved, shining star, Shundra, we grieve in the context of the blessed hope of a grand reunion on resurrection morning. Shundra leaves to mourn her passing: Her family - Children - Christopher Gaskill, Dominique, Ki'Andra, Jasmine Smith and James Smith their father; Grandchildren - Madison Green, Cali Renee, Jamari and Ladante Gaskill; Mother - Pearl (Earl)Jackson; Siblings - Dwayne (Dee) Collins, Adrian Collins, Altoria Collins, Kimberly Collins, Felicia Collins, Carlos (Dayna) Collins, and Vorondo (Donatta) Collins; Aunts, Uncles, Nephews and Nieces; her loving Mt. Sinai church family; Jones High class mates and a host of community friends and neighbors. Shundra will be looking for each of you on that great resurrection day. Will you pledge to be there? Services are entrusted to WALDON Professional Funeral & Cremation Services which is located at 710 Lexington Green Lane in Sanford, Florida. Kristy Waldon, FDIC To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Mrs. Shundra J. Collins-Smith please visit our Sympathy Store. Your browser does not support this video format. 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