On January 21, 2026, our beloved mother, Marlene Collins, was called home to be with the Lord. Marlene lived a life rooted in faith, devoted to Christ, and guided by the teachings of the Holy Bible. Marlene Collins was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. Marlene found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. Marlene was a Loving, Devoted  Mom, a Beautiful,Loving Grandmother known as (NaNa), and Sweet Great Grandmother. After a courageous fight fought with faith along with every ounce of strength she could waver, the same way she lead her life. She’ll leave this world a little less bright but with heaven even brighter with her there.  Marlene was predeceased by her parents, Mary and John McWilliams, her sisters; Carla McWilliams and Celeste Williams, and her granddaughter, Sheena FitzGerald.

Her independent spirit, compassion, empathy, and caring heart could not be missed and was apparent by all who met her. Let’s not forget her funny sense of humor and a smile that was surely contagious. A beautiful soul that was one in a million.

She married Robert  James Collins at 17 yrs old and together they had 3 children. Brenda, Robert and Sabrina. All raised by faith, attending church daily at the Pittsburgh Revival Center. She cherished the time she shared with her friends, many of them long life friends she’s known since a teen. She enjoyed giving back to her community by volunteering at the Food Bank. And she derived immense joy from creating crafts for gift giving, making beautiful greeting cards for every occasion, and making DVD movies that she meticulously organized. But don’t lose her DVD if you borrowed it! She was incredibly determined and placed a high value on education.  She was the winner of the 2003 Black History Research  Contest on Dateline. She received   recognition from the Dean of Business Education Jeffrey R, Keenan. Proudly accomplishing the achievement of returning to school at Western School of Heath and Business. She received two associate degrees. One as a medical secretary and one as a microcomputer applications.While already working at Western school as a Medical secretary/admission counselor.She went back to school at  almost the age of 50 finishing at the top of her class with straight A's, affirming to all the power of unwavering determination.

Above all, her most cherished moments were the ones she spent surrounded by her family. She was overjoyed at family dinners, and she enjoyed cooking for the holidays. She embraced every moment she had with us, as we did with her. she enjoyed traveling with her family to Laughlin Nevada, Miami Florida,Atlantic City, Maryland and Virginia. We will miss her travels with us. Her legacy of love, faith, compassion and resilience will continue to inspire all who were fortunate to know her.

She leaves her love and memories to her surviving children; Brenda Collins-Nunley  (Stephen Nunley), Robert J. Collins Jr. and Sabrina Collins-White (Jerome White). Her sisters; Frances Eubanks, Anita McWilliams, and her brothers; John McWilliams Jr, Arnold McWilliams, and Steve McWilliams. Affectionally known as “Nana” to her grandchildren; LaTanya Collins, Shannon Collins, Shaylon Collins, Sampson FitzGerald, Dennis Beeman Jr, Denzel Beeman, Janai Collins, Robert J. Collins III, Shakura King, ShaMarr Holmes, and Davion Dume. And 20 great grandchildren , a host of niece, nephews and cousins.

Marlene will be incredibly missed by her loved ones. Her memory will continue to be a source of strength and inspiration, forever reminding us of her warmth, love, valuable lessons she shared with us and how blessed we all were to have the time we had on this earth with her.

To Our Mom

Thank you for your guidance,

your wisdom in all we do,

for always believing in us,

For a good lif that’s true.

You mean the world to us.

We’re so proud to call you mom.

You’ve been there through it all,

Through the good times and the bad.

We cherish all our memories.

Thank you for being there. A shoulder to lean on,

and a listening ear that cares.

There aren’t enough words to express how grateful we are,

Thank you for your love.

For helping us grow and go far.

We love you

Brenda

Sabrina

 Robert

Favorite scriptures : Ephesians: 4:32 ((being kind and forgiving)

Psalm 133:1 (the goodness of unity), and Colossians 3:14 (love binding everything together). 

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