E. Valerie Collins

She was born Evelynn Valerie Knopp on September 12, 1954 in Baltimore, MD to the late Robert W. Knopp, Sr. and Betty L. Polk Knopp. A lifetime resident of Anne Arundel County and a 1972 graduate of Glen Burnie High School. Valerie worked for the National Security Agency for over 40 years. Growing up on a farm, “Buttons” as she was known by her family enjoyed spending time in the greenhouses and working the roadside stands and farmers markets. She enjoyed many trips to Ocean City and Lancaster with her family and friends. She treasured time spent with grandchildren, nieces and nephews, often attending their ice hockey and lacrosse games and horse shows. She was everyones #1 fan. To know Valerie was to love her. In addition to her parents, Valerie was preceded by her husband Richard A. Collins, I and brother Kevin Brian Knopp. Left to cherish her memory are her children Richard A. Collins, II (Robyn) of Glen Burnie and Christina D. Neal (David) of Crownsville, brothers Robert W. Knopp, Jr. (Cindy) of Severn, Daniel Heath Knopp of Severn, sister Tammie Lee Winters (Kevin) of Harwood, cherished grandchildren Robert A. and Richard A. Collins, III as well as D. Landon and Connor R. Neal and nieces and nephews Steven Knopp, Emilee Knopp, Kelsey Winters and Kyle Winters. She passed away peacefully at Johns Hopkins Hospital. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Donations in lieu of flowers to Johns Hopkins Children’s Cancer Center https://secure.jhu.edu/form/Kimmel or donations may be mailed to

Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, 750 East Pratt Street, Suite 1700, Baltimore, MD 21202.  Please make checks payable to Johns Hopkins University.

Friends and Family may visit at KIRKLEY RUDDICK FUNERAL HOME, Friday January 12, 2024,  3:00pm-5:00pm and 7:00pm-9:00pm,  Funeral Service will be Saturday January 13, 11:00am at Kirkley Ruddick Funeral Home, Interment immediately following at Glen Haven Memorial Park