Charles Collins

Charles Leonard Collins was born on November 19, 1942, in West Blocton, Alabama to his loving parents, Katherine and Charlie. On March 31, 2016 Charles started his transition to life beyond the grave of the Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick, New Jersey. Charles was educated in Alabama, graduating from Bibb County Public Schools and Alabama A&M, with a desire to shore his knowledge by teaching. He fought school in Birmingham, Alabama for five years before relocating to New Jersey, where he felt he could provide o better life for his wife and daughter. He furthered his own education along the way, with graduate studies of Rider College and Trenton State College (now known as the College of New Jersey). Charles worked for the New Brunswick Board of Education for 34 years. His assignments included: English Teacher, English Deportment Choir, Coordinator of the district's Gifted and Talented Program, and he retired as Principal of the Paul Robeson Community School in 2003 after serving in that position for 10 years. Charles accepted Christ at an early age. After moving to New Jersey, he joined Ebenezer Baptist Church, where he organized the Beacon of Light Scholarship Fund, a financial resource for high school graduates and college students. He was a member of the Hospitality Club, supporting his wife's presidency of that organization, and he was o faithful member of the Senior Usher Board. Charles was a loving, caring family man, providing support, guidance and encouragement throughout his life. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers Harold and Daniel Collins; his sisters, Gwendolyn Collins and Vivian C. Staffney. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 48 years, Donnie H. Collins; daughter, Christa Lynn Collins; grandson, Roderic Xavier Carson, Jr.; brothers, Alton (Gail) Collins of Cincinnati, OH; Roy Collins of West Blocton, AL; Sheldon (Octavia) Collins of Jonesboro, GA; Cedric (Suzett) Arrick and Paul (Lynn) Thompson of Tuscaloosa, AL; sisters, Deborah Staffney of Montevallo, AL; Lottie Hill of West Brocton, AL, and Sonia Abron of Birmingham, AL; one aunt, Hattye (Winston) Barker of Brooklyn, NY; brothers-in-law, Elijah (Twila) Hickman of Crestview, FL; Morris (Marilyn) Hickman of Aliceville, AL, and o host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Charles Collins

November 19, 1942 - March 31, 2016