Carla Stinnett Collins, 66, of Friendsville, Tennessee, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following an illness at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville.

Carla was born on March 29, 1960, and was a lifelong resident of the Friendsville area. She grew up in the Nazarene Church, attending both Maryville First and Emmanuel Nazarene. She shared her love of music by singing in her high school choir, singing in the church choir, and more recently singing with a women’s group. Carla was a 1978 graduate of Friendsville High School.

Carla was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Joy Stinnett, and her sister, Karen Thompson.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 33 years, Jeffery Collins; her brother, Gary Stinnett and his wife, Rhonda; her children, Leslie (Jeremy) Hammer, Melanie Roark, and Victoria (Wolfgang) Weir; and her grandchildren, Brandon, Katelyn, and Dylan Hammer, and Inara and Imogen Weir. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Carla had the biggest heart and loved taking care of those around her. She loved her many furbabies and grand furbabies throughout the years. She enjoyed reading, especially cookbooks and discovering new recipes, and found great joy in preparing home-cooked meals for her family. She loved being a Nana and also devoted much of her life to caring for and taking the best of care of her husband.

Carla also had a lifelong love of the mountains, enjoyed vacations to the Outer Banks, and cherished trips to Michigan to visit family.

Carla will be remembered and missed by her family and many friends who loved her.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Grace Community Church on Saturday, August 22, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. to share memories and offer condolences. A Celebration of Life service will immediately follow.

Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, 865-983-1000, or www.smithfuneralandcremation.com