William Collins, Sr

Elder William Collins, age 84, of Indianapolis, Indiana, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, July 7, 2025. Elder William Collins, Sr. was born on November 8, 1940, in Warren, Ohio, to Brother Edward L. and Essie Mae McCoy Collins, Sr. From this union, six children were conceived, and he was the eldest. As a child, he was ideal in that he accepted responsibility. He believed that it was his obligation to show empathy for his younger siblings by taking initiative in performing juvenile chores. This brought much joy to him. In addition to a deep family love, he saw also the need for school. Education was important to him because he had aspirations of pursuing studies in mortuary science. This dream, however, never became a reality due to unforeseen circumstances. Nevertheless, Elder William graduated from Warren G. Harding High School on June 11, 1959.

His gentle nature and kindness can be attributed to the environment in which he was reared. As a young man, he spent quite a bit of time in the home of his grandparents, Brother William and Sr. Mother Viola Collins, who were devout Christians. Not only they, but also his aunts and his uncles impacted his life in a positive, spiritual manner. It was they who began to take him to The Supreme Council of The House of Jacob. The more he attended services with them, the more he developed a deeper love for church. It was so intense that he told his parents that if he couldn’t go to his grandma’s church, then he wouldn’t go to any other church. So, at the age of ten, he professed his faith in Christ. He united with The Supreme Council of The House of Jacob in 1950 in Warren, OH. As a result of their faith-based guidance, Elder Collins was able to grow in truth. He was elevated to a Junior Minister in Akron, Ohio, on August 11, 1968. He was ordained in Bethlehem Township, Ohio, on August 8, 2010. He remained a faithful member until the deterioration of his physical body.

Prior to his failing mobility, he was very active in the services of the Lord. Elder Collins took church seriously, and he earned a Certificate of Completion from Bible school. It might be mentioned here also that he was a member of the officer of the court which involved assisting with parking. Nothing pleased him more than directing traffic at the Convocations, which he relished.

While visiting with Bishop J. Daniel Collins (Father J. Daniel Israel, J.O.G.) and Advanced Senior Mother Melita Collins (Superior Mother) and family in Pontiac, Michigan, he was blessed to meet Sister Alma E. Phillips. Their friendship blossomed, and they were joined in holy matrimony on June 10, 1972, in Anderson, Indiana. They were blessed with two sons, Brother William Collins, Jr., and Elder Joel Israel Collins, whom he loved unconditionally.

During his residency in Warren, Ohio, he worked for the Warren Marble and Granite Company as a sandblaster. After his marriage, he relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana, where there were more job opportunities. He worked for a short period of time at Winona Memorial Hospital and at Ertel Manufacturing. Subsequent to these two jobs, he obtained employment at Wonderbread, where he spent 32 years -- retiring in 2006. He took great pride in his work, and he was hailed by the executives as one of the best fryer cleaners. They favored his work to the extent that he was asked on one occasion to return to clean them, even after retirement. Elder Collins was esteemed at work, at church, and at home. He was liked by all because he had a welcoming manner. As the old folks used to say, “Just a good old boy.”

As a husband, Elder Collins exemplified respect and trust. Although he was the head of the household, he shared responsibilities. He listened to his wife and cherished her perspective in all endeavors. As a result of Elder Collins’ good qualities, he and his wife were able to enjoy 53 years of bliss. Elder William was down- to – earth, just enjoying life’s unembellished treasures.

As a biological father, he faced obstacles and challenges, both mentally and physically, in his life. Sometimes he had to endure immense pressure, but he kept the faith — pushing negativity and doubt aside. When temptations, complexities, and uncertainties came his way, he looked to the Rock of his salvation. Just knowing that the Lord would hear him in the day of trouble made him look up and say: “With God in my life, I will make it.”

During his episodes of pain and discomfort, he never charged God foolishly. All thanks to God for enabling his immediate family to have been by his side on that transitional day.

Elder Collins was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Edward L. and Essie Mae McCoy Collins; stepmother, Henrietta Collins; brothers, Walter McCoy and Edward L. Collins, Jr.; and sister, Abigail Keene.

Elder Collins leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Senior Mother Alma Collins; sons, Brother William Jr. and Elder Joel Israel Collins of Indianapolis, Indiana; brother, Floyd (Joyce) Collins of Pickerington, Ohio; sisters, Viola and Bertilla Alma Collins of Warren, Ohio; brother-in-law, Brother David G. Phillips of Indianapolis, Indiana; sister-in-law, Elderess Esther M. Simms of Milford, Ohio; several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Elder Collins always loved and acknowledged Mr. and Mrs. Reuben Gay and family, who were always there to assist him voluntarily and willingly.

Favorite scriptures:

St. John 1

St. Matthew 5

Favorite song:

“Take The Word of God”