LELAND — Theresa Mary Rollins, 62 of Leland, NC entered the presence of the Lord on July 9, 2024 after a short battle with cholangiocarcinoma.
Theresa, the oldest of three, was born on January 6, 1962 in Wiltshire, England to Kathleen “Mary” (née Crisp) Smith and Charles “Chuck” Edward Smith. As a US Air Force family, they moved many times before settling in Virginia, where Theresa lived most of her life. Theresa graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School before studying at Chowan College, and later Strayer University.
Theresa met the love of her life, Allen “Tim” Rollins while attending night classes at Strayer University and the two were married on May 4, 1996 in Bristow, VA. In their 28 years of marriage, Tim and Theresa created a blended family, traveled the world, raised three Westies and three Cairn Terriers, built four houses and eventually found the home of their dreams in coastal North Carolina. They loved taking walks on the beach, seeing live music, discovering new restaurants, and making new friends. They were truly best friends and enjoyed each other’s company doing even the mundane things in daily life.
Theresa considered her daughter, Lauren to be her greatest gift. Theresa and Lauren were inseparable and did most everything together. Even when physically separated, they remained extraordinarily close, never going more than a day without talking on the phone. They especially loved going to tea, getting pedicures, collecting seashells, and traveling. Theresa was a phenomenal mother; through many sacrifices, she created an abundant, loving life for Lauren. Theresa was rich in love, grace, and patience and set the best example for being a great Mom.
Theresa’s favorite role was that of Grandmother. She treasured her time with her grandkids and loved being their Nana, never failing to give cuddles, bake banana bread, or play games when requested. She never beamed as brightly as she did when she spent time with her grandbabies.
Theresa was a lover of all creatures great and small, but especially her “pups,” treating each one like the family member they were. Theresa was known to rescue all types of animals from the side of the road, whether she was on her way to work or to the airport to catch a flight. Her Cairn Terriers Teddy and Sophie were her constant companions, especially in her final days.
Theresa was passionate about her work for the U.S. Government. She dedicated more than 20 years of service to our country. Her work took her to many places around the world from England to Jordan, Germany, and beyond.
Theresa was an active member of First Baptist Church of Wilmington (FBCW), devoting her time and energy to the Tuesday Night Feeding Ministry and the Transitions Sunday School class. It was at FBCW that Theresa found a loving and encouraging community of friends who rallied around her and her family during her final weeks.
Everyone who knew Theresa knew how much she loved and trusted Jesus. Her faith was steadfast. She was confident of her identity as a child of God and of where she was going once her time on Earth was over. She studied Scripture and worshiped her way to Heaven.
Theresa will always be remembered for her gentleness, warmth, compassion, and the way that she left something better than she found it. She had a tremendous sense of humor, especially when she did something “graceful.” We’ll always imagine hearing her giggle one more time. Theresa was an avid collector of seashells and sea glass. She had an inexplicable gift of finding the best ones; she always found beauty in the small, overlooked things.
We couldn’t have asked for a better wife, mother, Nana, daughter, and sister, and we will miss Theresa every day. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all those who loved her.
Theresa was preceded in death by her father, Charles “Chuck” Smith, and is survived by her beloved husband, Allen “Tim” Rollins; daughter, Lauren (Josh) Jenkins; stepchildren, Justin (Emily) Rollins and Hayley (Blake) Fletcher; mother, Kathleen “Mary” Smith; grandchildren, Norah and Maeve Jenkins, and Dylan and Ryleigh Rollins; sisters, Sharon (Clarence) Watts and Rebecca Childress; as well as a host of loving friends.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, July 20, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church of Wilmington (411 Market St, Wilmington, NC 28401). To commemorate the joy that Theresa’s life brought to us, we ask attendants to dress in colorful attire—as Theresa would say, “put away your grave clothes!”
The family wishes to express our deepest gratitude to the staff of Novant Health System and Lower Cape Fear LifeCare for their compassionate care of Theresa over the last several weeks.
Theresa supported many charitable organizations, and as such we ask that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in her honor to:
- First Baptist Church of Wilmington Missions fund
- World Central Kitchen
- Lower Cape Fear LifeCare
- Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue & Rehabilitation Center in Surf City, NC
Online condolences are encouraged and may be sent to the family here.
