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On the morning of Saturday, July 9, 2022, God sent His angels to claim one of His own.  

Marion Williams Collins, also affectionately known as, Mother Collins, was born Aug. 6, 1942, to the late John Henry and Annette Ricks Lewis. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Ellis “Bob” Collins. She was the sister to Celestine “Mickie” Holloway and step-sister to Lillian Evans and Jeanell Boyd. In 1960, she graduated from East Suffolk High School. 

Marion was a leader and a dedicated church member of Miracle Temple Christian Center. Marion gave her life to Christ at an early age and it all started at St. Mary’s Church of God In Christ (COGIC). Over the years, she organized and supported programs and fundraisers for the building of God’s kingdom. She served faithfully in many ministries, such as the Usher Ministry, Pastor Aide’s Ministry, Hospitality Committee, Nursing Ministry, Young Women’s Christian Council, as well as served as a floater for teaching Sunday School. 

After raising five children, she made a bold move to go back to school to become a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in 1986. From that moment on, Marion had found her passion to help others, where for many years she primarily worked with the geriatric population. Marion followed her passion to care for others over the years until her last breath. 

She instilled perseverance and made it known that she was proud of each and every one of her children, Robert Anthony Collins “Bobby” (Teresa Giles – fiancée), Darrell Eric Collins “DC” (Essie Cross – fiancée), Lisa Collins Palmer (Gerald), Cassandra Collins Copeland “Sam” (Derrick) and Stacey Collins Wilson (Roger). She was known as Nana Collins and grandma to 12 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Marion will be missed by many. She leaves behind a host of nieces and nephews to treasure her memory. 

Marion enjoyed reading the Bible, doing word search puzzles, eating crabs, watching cooking shows and the Westerns, but mostly Marion loved her family and friends. And, what can we say about the hats? She had an abundance of beautiful “church” hats. 

While her children were busy planning for her 80th birthday celebration, God saw fit for a different celebration – a celebration of life; a life well lived.

A celebration of life will be held at noon Saturday, July 16, at New Mt. Joy Food for Living Ministries, 307 County St. Burial will be private and held at a later date at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery.  A public viewing will be held from 2 to 7 p.m., Friday, July 15 at Crocker Funeral Home Inc., 900 E. Washington St. The family received family and friends starting on Thursday, July 14, at 4128 Long Point Blvd, Portsmouth. Guests are required to wear a mask.