Mary Louise Collins

Obituary “The measure of a life is not what you accumulate, but in what you give away.” Mary Louise Collins was born on March 15, 1952 to Mary Armwood and the late William Collins, Sr. of Crisfield, MD. Mary was reared by her grandparents, Nellie Bishop-Collins and Lamateen Collins of Marion, Maryland. She departed this life on Saturday, January 27, 2019, at the Berlin Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Berlin, MD, after the sudden onset of a serious illness that spanned several months. Mary received her formal education in the Somerset County public school system and graduated from Woodson High School in Crisfield, MD in 1970. She was employed at the Lower Shore Shelter Workshop in Salisbury, MD until she retired. After retirement, Mary decided to go back to work part-time at “Getting Grounded Café” in Princess Anne, MD. Mary began her Christian Journey at Charity Holiness Church in Crisfield, MD. She was a born again Christian and was uncompromising in her belief in Jesus Christ. Mary joined the Highway Holiness Church where she became a very active and faithful member. She was a dedicated usher and was loved by all. Mary never forgot anyone’s birthday and could always be seen giving out gifts to her church family. She enjoyed spending her Mondays at Deer's Head Hospital visiting her long time friend, George Les Evans. She attended Sunday School, Bible Study and Church services faithfully. She volunteered her time with the Somerset County 4H Clubhouse. Mary loved to shop, to travel, and most of all, study the word of God. Due to the onset of her declining health, Mary had to cancel a planned Church trip to Texas with her church family. Mary’s illness was very serious and prevented her from returning to her much loved home, her family and friends. Mary often shared with close family how the power of prayer had transformed her life. She was a true testimony to God’s inner peace and presence. She received numerous diplomas for completion of training in Christian Education, evidenced by a mirage of plaques that line her bedroom wall. She will be best remembered for her faithfulness, her giving spirit, and her warm welcoming heart. She will also be greatly missed by her Golden Girls, Valecia, Sanaa, and Aniyah for time spent during their “Girls Day Out” baking and cooking. This brought so much fun and enjoyment to Mary’s life. Mary leaves to cherish and honor her memory, her mother Mary and Stepfather, Fred Cottingham, Marion, MD; stepmother, Rosie Collins, Crisfield, MD; 2 brothers Jerome Collins, Crisfield, MD and Randy Jeffrey Whittington Venton, MD; 2 Aunts Delores Cotton and May Cord, MD; 4 nieces, Latonia Bell, Princess Anne, MD; Ebony Collins and Tanya Evans, Norfolk, Virginia; Kyree Whittington, Venton, MD; 6 great nieces, Autumn and Cheri Bell, Princess Anne, MD; Jamal, Venus, Nala and Haffner, Norfolk, Virginia; a Godson Tevin Ward, Chester, PA; a devoted and loving friend/caregiver along with her husband, Valerie and Kevin Styles, Marion, MD; a special friend Helen (Sissy) Sutton, Marion, MD; and her many sister/cousins as well as a host of other family and loving friends. Mary was preceded in death by her father, William, Sr., grandparents, Nellie Bishop-Collins and Lamateen Collins, one brother, William Collins, Jr. and one sister, Rosalyn Ball. IN FAREWELL “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” II Timothy 4:6-7

Mary Louise Collins

March 15, 1952 - January 27, 2019