James L. Collins, age 66, of Chicago, Ill., formerly of Lisman, passed away on Sept. 12, 2009, while taking his early morning walk.
He was born on Sept. 28, 1942, to Walker and Viola Collins in Halsell. He was the oldest of eight children. He departed this life on September 12, 2009 while taking his early morning walk.
His father, Walker Collins, preceded him in death.
He is survived by his mother, Viola Johnson; his wife of 45 years, Hilda Collins; one daughter, Sherry (Roger) Weathers, and one son, Michael Williams, both of Indianapolis, Ind.; six sisters, Johnnie Mae (Eugene) Drake, Susie Robinson and Jessie M. Johnson, Barnette Collins of Chicago, Ill., Helen Walters of Detroit, Mich., and Bettye (Lloyd) Nash of Louisville, Ky.; five grandchildren, James Finch Jr., Carmeron and Christopher Weathers and Artis and Aylissa Williams; one great-grandson, James Finch III; a son-in-law, Roger Weathers; several aunts; one uncle; five sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Sunday, Sept. 20, at Fairfield CME Church with the Rev. Izea Blanks officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.
Active pallbearers included Roger Weathers, Eugene Drake Jr., James Finch Jr., Jermaine Drake, Cameron Weathers and Michael Williams. Honorary pallbearers included Eugene Drake, Mike Alexander, Charley Horn, Norby Harris, Christopher Weathers and Reginald Bryant. Flower bearers included Sharon Alexander, Emma Collins, Lakoya Gavin, Sandra Drake, Iris Harris, Janice Thompson, Carolyn Drake, Yolanda Johnson and Carolyn Johnson.
Weatherly-Studdard Memorial Chapel Inc. handled the arrangements.