Mary Rosanna Plater Branson Collins was born on December 21, 1943 in Charles County, Maryland to the late John Henry Plater and the late Mary Theresa Neal Plater. She has always been a faithful and devoted member of the Catholic faith. She attended the public schools of Washington, D.C. and graduated from Martha Washington High School of Cosmetology.

Anna, as she was more affectionately called, was united in holy matrimony to Charles Branson. Their union was blessed with two sons, Robert and Sterling. She was later married to Norwood Collins who preceded her in death. Anna was a very devoted and loving wife and mother.

Anna's career started as a propellant Handler and later as a truck driver at the Naval Ordinance Station, Indian Head, Md. Later, she was employed as a Tractor Trailer driver by Safeway Food Stores. She was proud of the fact that she was one of the first African American women to drive for Safeway and that she had taken third place, one year at Safeway's National truck drivers rodeo. Lastly she was employed as a dispatcher with the Keller Transportation Company in Waldorf, Maryland, where she retired after several years of dedicated service.

Anna enjoyed playing Bingo. In addition, she enjoyed listening to different choirs. She loved to spend time with her family, friends and was always willing to help and give service to anyone in need. Anna was loved and cherished by all who knew her.

On Wednesday, July 8, 2009, Anna departed this life at Civista Medical Center, La Plata, Maryland, for eternal life in heaven.

Left to cherish fond and loving memories are her two sons, Robert Branson and Sterling Branson; daughters-in-law, Wanda Branson and Kimberly Branson, six grandchildren, Terrod L. Branson, Tierra L. Branson, Terese L. Branson, MarQuita Martin Branson, Sterling Branson, Jr. and Khianna Branson; three great grandchildren, Taniah Lyn Branson, Neija Branson and Jamauri Branson; brother, John Plater and a host of relatives and special friends.

Viewing, Tuesday, July 14, 2009 from 10:00 am until Mass of Christian Burial, 11:00 am at St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 30 Mattingly Avenue, Indian Head, Maryland. Interment, St. Charles Cemetery, Glymont, Maryland. Arrangements entrusted to THORNTON FUNERAL HOME, P.A. Indian Head, Maryland.