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James Collins Metropolitan Funeral

On Tuesday December 13, 2022, God called to rest James Collins, with his children at his bedside in Sentara Leigh Hospital. He was one of nine children born to the late George and Esther Collins on April 15, 1936, in Sylvester, Georgia. He attended Worth County Public Schools and later moved to Orlando Florida where he met Geraline Hassell who would later become his wife. They relocated to Norfolk Virginia where they raised three sons and one daughter.

He was called “Johnny” by local friends and family on his wife side of the family. He worked as a 1st class welder for BAE Systems formally known as Norshipco for 51 years where he was known by the name “Sleepy” because it was jokingly said he could weld and sleep at the same time. Prior to his retirement he had a special parking space beside the president of the company because he had the longest length of service to the company.

He raised his family to serve the Lord and was a great example. In early days he was a Trustee at Holy Light in Portsmouth, VA. Later attending the Garden of Prayer on 26 Street in Norfolk and finally Mt Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church close to home. However, he remained a great supporter of the Garden of Prayer Worship Center. He made sure that we attended church services and would lead us on our knees in prayer in the home. He even quizzed us on the knowledge we gained from attending church and listening to the preached word on the radio.

We also were taught how to work and make money as children by cutting lawns in the local neighborhood and across town. We also recycled old scrap metal and aluminum and old newspapers. We didn’t realize that we were entrepreneurs as children working for ourselves. He also made sure we got a college education. He worked hard and made sure that his wife would not have to work outside of the home.

He was predeceased by two sons Gregory and Barry Collins.

He leaves to cherish hi memories: a loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Geraline Collins; daughter Sharon Collins of Chesapeake, VA and Marvin Collins of Norfolk, VA; grandson Lorenzo Thompson (Miranda) of Chesapeake, VA; great grandsons Travon Brown, Jayvien and Kaycen Thompson. He also leaves one brother Herman Collins of Rochester, NY; three sisters, Ann Jackson, Rose Hamilton and Bernice Collins all of Brooklyn, NY; uncle -in law Daniel Hassell, brother-in law Donald Hassell (Judy); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He also leaves the Mt Lebanon Missionary Baptist Church family as well as the Garden of Prayer Worship Center church family

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Zora Stowers

Update: 2024-05-22