Sarah Collins

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23:1-6

Sister Sarah Renetta Collins, daughter of the late proud parents, Sarah Sharpe Collins and Herbert Collins, was born December 15, 1935, in Glynn County, Brunswick, GA.

Sister Sarah Renetta Collins was a 1954 graduate of Risley High School in Brunswick, GA. She accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on K Street in Brunswick, GA, and later moved her membership to Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Julius Caesar Hope. While at Zion Baptist Church, Sister Collins faithfully served for 42 years under the late Pastor George Darrisaw and Pastor Dr. Alfred Jackson. Sister Collins, along with her best friend, Alice Sorrell, was a dedicated Usher, Pastor’s Aide, and a Kitchen Ministry servant.

In early June 2000, Sister Collins became a charter member of Fishers of Men World Harvest Christian Church under the leadership of the Founders/Overseers, Bishop Dr. Alfred Jackson, Sr., Pastor, and Dr. Barbara Jackson, Co-Pastor. As one of the pillars of Fisher of Men, she served selflessly as Trustee, “Chief” Usher, Pastor’s Aid, Willing Workers, Culinary, and Transportation ministries. Her generous spirit and dedication in serving countless receptions for families gathered in the church fellowship hall will always be remembered. While Sister Collins’ culinary skills were memorable, they did not define the extent of her accomplishments. Sister Sarah Renetta Collins was Hercules of Brunswick, GA, the first African American female certified welder and boilermaker. She retired after 23 ½ years of employment. She was also employed at Jekyll Island Buccaneer for 16 years and the Elks Lodge with 30 years of service as the head cook.

Sister Collins gave love without condition and inspired without reward. She was the Grand Marshall of the State of Georgia, Past Worthy Matron of Lady Mathis Chapter 144 (for 30 years), and a coowner of Lizzie Day Lodge and International Easter Star 32⁰.

On Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Sister Sarah Collins passed away peacefully at age 85. She was preceded in death by her sister, Ruby Collins Hart, and brothers, Samuel Earnest Collins, Herbert Collins, Jr., Williams Eugene Collins, and Edward Emanuel Collins.

Sister Collins leaves to cherish her memory: a loving and devoted son, Greg Grant (Paula); two brothers, Roy Wilson Collins (Johnnie Mae) of Brunswick, GA, and Raymond Nathaniel Collins of Darien, GA; sister-in-law, Patricia Collins of Oklahoma City, OK; three devoted caregivers nieces, Patricia Smith and Helen Rowell, both of Brunswick, GA; and a nephew, Edward Collins (Jenean) of Brunswick, GA. She was someone who ‘loved like a mother,’ though she never had children of her own. “Sister Collins” was known by many names; however, she always said her favorite name was “Aunt Sarah.” She leaves a remarkable legacy of love and will always be cherished by her nieces and nephews: Sarah Vick of St Mary’s, GA, Addie Daniels “Nikki” of Warner Robins, GA, Patricia Dianne Nash, Emanuel “Butch” Collins, Betty Hillery (Johnny Lee), Minnie Lee Collins, Mike Collins, Ray Collins, Alonzo Bailey, Alphonsa Collins (Dora), Ricky Collins (Vonda), Samuel Collins (Renee), James Collins, Mary Collins, Deborah Saddler (George), Terry Collins, Trenton Collins, Travis Collins, Pamela Francis, Cynthia Abray, Sandra Giles (Kevin), and Angela Favors-Morrell (Tony); devoted friends, Julia Bryant, Willie and Stacy Hobbs, Bettey Boggs Costic, Carolyn Lattany, Velma Scriven, Stella Hayes, and Tony Martin (her mail carrier/caregiver); and a host of relatives and friends.