Lillie Mae (mitchell) Collins

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalm 91:1

Lilie Collins, a precious jewel, was born May 3, 1930 with an identical twin sister in Birmingham,

Alabama. She passed from this earth on July 30, 2023 at her home.

Lillie confessed to Christ at an early age and was baptized. She graduated from A.H.

Parker High School and attended Amarillo College, in Amarillo Texas and Danville Junior College, in Danville, Illinois..

Lillie married Percy Collins who was in the Air Force. They were blessed with 2 children, Gwendolyn Owens and Michael Collins. Mrs Collins was employed by Amarillo Daycare Center in Texas as a Supervisor for 10 years and Champaign County Head Start in Rantoul, II for 28 Years as Site Supervisor. She touched the lives of many children and families. September 6, 1997, Mayor Joe Brown proclaimed Lillie Collins Day in her honor for her hard work and dedication to the Rantoul community. During her working career Mrs Collins was honored by many local organizations. She was a member of the Officers Wives Club and Business & Professional Women's Club. She later worked for Family Home Care helping people in need.

Lillie was a faithful member of Greater New Light Baptist Church where she served as President of the Mission for several years. Lillie was affectionately called Mother Collins, Sister Collins, MaDear, Granny, and Mama by many.

She was preceded in death by her husband Percy Collins, her daughter Gwendolyn Owens, and her grandson Anthony Owens. She leaves to cherish her memory, a son Michael E. Collins, Springfield, IL. 4 Grandchildren, Andre Owens, Brandon Simmons (Jessica), Ava Collins, & Justice Collins. 4 Great Grandchildren, Andre' Owens Jr., Lillie Owens' Rayne Simmons, Rayshod Simmons, Draya Gwendolyn Owens, & Anthony Michael Owens. Daughters- in- Love, Nancy D. Collins, & Jessica Williams.

A special niece, Sarah West, Sister-in-Law, Betty Collins, nephew Kenneth Collins, and extended family: Rick Frazier, Debbie Moore, Orelia & Robert White, Mamie Lascola, & Joseph Llach, Lisa Corley, Jolene Gensler, Minnie Johnson and Bill and Cindy Green.

A Celebration of Life will be held at noon on Wednesday, August 9 at the Great New Light Baptist Church, Rantoul.  Rev. Otis Evans will officiate.  She will be laid to rest beside her beloved Percy at Maplewood Cemetery, Rantoul.

Visitation will be from 5 -7 on Tuesday evening at Lux Memorial Chapel, 1551 East Grove, Rantoul.
 

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