Traverse City Record-Eagle

Archive: Sunday

July 22, 2012

The Rev. Marshall R. Collins

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NORTHPORT — The Rev. Marshall R. Collins, 82, of Northport, went home to be with his Lord Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at Grand Traverse Pavilions.

The Rev. was born on June 12, 1930, in Preston, Md., the son of Gilbert and Sarah (Jones) Collins. He met his companion Mary W. Thompson in Maryland and they were married in Nevada.

The Reverend Collins was an inspirational minister throughout his 60 years in ministry. He always had a song in his heart and encouraged others to share theirs. The Reverend Collins was a true man of God, advocating for youth and under served communities. At a young age he was blessed with becoming the Sunday School Superintendent for the state of Maryland and serving a supportive role in many churches throughout Central Florida. In 1990 he accepted the pastoral job of the Northport Indian Mission Church, which he served faithfully until retiring in 2000. His ministry continued through his anointed revivals and camp meetings, which he continued until his death.

Pastor Collins was also a loving father and husband to his family. Pastor Collins believed in the importance of taking care of family through the foundation of the church and God. He always worked hard to provide for his family and was a father figure to many other kids.

Pastor Collins had a love for rock collecting and grew a special connection with God's creation through the Petoskey Stone. He was the owner of Nature Gems Rock Shop and took joy in sharing God gift's of nature with all he encountered. He took a special pride in his treasure chest that he used to share the word of God with children and their parents.

Pastor Collins also served our nation as a young man in the U.S. Air Force.

In addition to this wife, Mary, he is survived by his children, Charmaine (Randolph) Geeter, daughter of Elmira Reairs, Rose Whittaker, Herbert (Shari) Whittaker, Hurbert (Kim) Whittaker, Daron Whittaker, Yolanda (Richard) Collins Hagley, Crystal (Brandon) Collins Wilson and Marshall Jr.(Tricia) Collins; 45 grandchildren; and a multitude of great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Felicia Whittaker.

The benefit for Pastor Collins and Mary Collins will be held today, July 22, at 3 p.m., at the Presbyterian Church, 701 Westminster Road, Traverse City. Please come and enjoy the wonderful music.

Visitation will be held on Monday, July 23, from 3 to 7 p.m., at the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 24, at Central United Methodist Church in Traverse City. Burial will follow at Leelanau Township Cemetery in Northport; the repasts will be held at the Leelanau Township Fire Hall.

Memorials may be directed to the Collins Family, PO Box 17, Northport, MI 49670.

Please share thoughts and memories with the Collins family on their online guestbook.

Arrangements are with the Martinson Funeral Home of Suttons Bay.

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