Joseph Edward Collins, Jr.

Joseph Edward Collins On the afternoon of December 10, 2016 at Coastal Hospice by the Lake, Joseph Edward Collins, Jr., at the age of eighty-one (81), entered into eternity and received his wings. Born on February 4, 1935, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph Edward Collins, Sr. and Louise Waters Collins. He was educated in the Somerset County public school system. As a young man, he worked on a dairy farm prior to going to school. In 1953, he graduated from high school and soon entered into the United States Army where he advanced to Specialist Third Class. Upon his honorable discharge, he worked at Green Giant’s in Fruitland, MD, formerly known as Dulany’s. He also worked on Bob Johnson’s chicken farm and for English’s Catering Service in Salisbury, MD. Joe later retired from Salisbury State College, now known as Salisbury University, after more than 30 years of service. He fellowshipped and was a dedicated member of St. James United Methodist Church in Westover, MD, where he loved to sing his favorite songs, “Old Rugged Cross” and “Hallelujah.” As a member, he served as President of God’s Chosen Choir, Lay Servant, Worship Leader, member of the United Methodist Men, Trustee of the Peninsula Delaware Conference, and co-chairman of the Building Fund. He also led Men’s Bible Study on Sunday morning and in his home with friends and family under the leadership of Minister Graylin Topping. During his absences from St. James, he attended services at Higher Hope in Christ United Methodist Church in Salisbury, MD. Joe’s interests included watching football, old westerns and playing spades with his friends and family. Joe and his friend, William T. Stewart, became the champions of the Community Horseshoe Challenge. In addition, Joe also loved fishing where he caught the love of his life, Geneva Collins. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife, Geneva Collins; five children, Anthony (Patricia) Fontaine, Quindoria (Charles) Holbrook, Alvin Dennis and Romanda (Joseph) Henry Jr., all of Salisbury, MD and Bryant (Mel) Dennis of Fruitland, MD. Other children he raised included Sandra (Stanley) Johnson and Little (Leon) Price Brooken. Precious memories remain with: 16 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; three sisters and one brother, Marjorie Wright of Princess Anne, MD, Delores Richardson, Benjamin (Mary) Collins and Joyce (William) Fontaine, all of Westover, MD and Barbara (James) Joynes of Liberty, MO; sisters- and brothers-in-law, Alice Collins of Venton, MD; Bernice Collins, Lena Anthony, Emory (Alisha), Sherwood and Martha White, all of Princess Anne, MD, Kenneth White and Mary F. Collins, both of Salisbury, MD; and Sarah White of Delmar, DE; special family friend, Marcylee Dedrick and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, friends and father figure to many and his beloved pet “Queenie.” In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers William, Earl and Daniel and sisters Gladys and Daisey. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joseph Edward Collins, Jr., please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Joseph Edward Collins, Jr.

February 4, 1935 - December 10, 2016