Annette Karel "Teeta" Thurow Rollins
Nov. 17, 1951 - Sep. 6, 2016
NLRHS Class of 1970

Annette Karel "Teeta" Rollins of Hindsville, Arkansas, was born in Little Rock, Arkansas, on November 17, 1951, the daughter of Richard and Janet Thurow. She passed away on September 6, 2016, in Des Moines, Iowa, after a valiant battle with a long-term illness.

She was predeceased by her father, Richard Thurow. She is survived by: her mother, Janet Thurow of North Little Rock, Arkansas; her husband of 38 years, Dr. Jim D. Rollins; her son, Joseph Ryan Rollins, and his wife, Paige; two grandchildren, Kinley Rollins and Jacob Rollins; two brothers, Rick Thurow (and wife, Bernee) and Jerry Thurow (and wife Micki); nephew Brian Thurow; nieces Beth Stiger, Joely Thurow and Anna Kruger; and three great-nieces, Kathryn, Emily and Sarah Stiger.

Her endearing personality and ready smile and humor will be deeply missed by a multitude of friends and colleagues in the greater community.

Teeta was a graduate of North Little Rock High School in North Little Rock, Arkansas, and Memphis State University. She also took graduate courses through the University of Arkansas in Little Rock and was a certified ESL instructor.

Meeting as fellow educators in the Little Rock school system, Teeta and Jim Rollins married in 1978 and moved to Springdale, Arkansas, in 1980. Teeta taught kindergarten and early grades in the Springdale School District for 31 years (Lee Elementary School and Parson Hills Elementary School). She was a caring and devoted educator, deeply committed to teaching all children to high levels of achievement, and as a teacher she influenced generations. She was a strong advocate for all Springdale students, teachers, and the great partnerships that have made the district the exemplary educational system that it is today.

A great lover of the arts, Teeta was a supporting presence at school events such as choral concerts, band concerts and other artistic events, and she regularly attended athletic events of the Springdale schools. She loved to see Springdale students compete in all arenas of endeavor.

A sharp wit, Annette was an avid reader and a lifelong learner. She also enjoyed cooking, traveling, and spending time outdoors on the family farm in Hindsville, Arkansas. Her greatest joy was spending time with her family, to whom she was devoted.

An active member of the Springdale community, Annette enjoyed attending services at area churches and was a devoted follower of the Christian faith. To her, Springdale was the great place to live, to serve and to raise a family.

The family visitation will be Friday evening, September 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Springdale. The funeral service will be held at the church on Saturday, September 10, at 2:00 p.m. Memorials in her name may be made to the Springdale Education Foundation or to the American Cancer Society.

Online condolences may be left at www.siscofuneral.com