Willie E. Collins

Willie E. Collins, 84 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 2, 2016 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Detroit, Michigan. He had been in poor health for a few years. Born December 8, 1931 in Yalobusha County, Mississippi, Willie was the son of the late Lessly and Minnie (Williams) Collins. Willie was a 1951 graduate of Coahoma Agricultural High School in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He went on to further his education by attending Jackson State College and Illinois State University. He came to Monroe in 1983. Willie served his country honorably, and proudly, in the United States Air Force from 1952 - 1956. He received the National Defense Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. On September 18, 1995 Willie married his beloved wife, the former Dorothy L. Neal, in Monroe. Willie worked for Chrysler Corporation from which he retired. Willie was a member, and a deacon, at Second Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe. He enjoyed talking, telling stories, fishing, and sharing God's word. Willie is survived by his beloved wife of 20 years, Dorothy, six children: Willie Jim Collins, Kenneth L. Collins, Sandra L. (Johnny) Monroe of Detroit, MI, Willantha E. (John) Collins of Rockford, IL, Olivian M. Collins of Baton Rouge, LA, and Teresa A. Hunter of Monroe, MI, 13 cherished grandchildren, 10 treasured great grandchildren, a great great grandson, and a brother, Steve Collins of Inkster, MI. In addition to his parents, Willie was preceded in death by three sisters: Johnnie May Collins, Rhubirta Burt, and Annie Lee Smalley. Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12 from 3 PM to 7 PM at the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., Monroe, MI, 48161. Family Hour will be held at the Second Missionary Baptist Church from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, August 13. Funeral services celebrating his life will be take place at 11 AM. The Rev. Allen Overton, pastor of Second Missionary Baptist Church will officiate. A graveside military honor service will be conducted by the VFW Post #1138, Monroe, and interment will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, LaSalle.

Willie E. Collins

December 8, 1931 - August 2, 2016