Leroy Lawrence Collins

"When the world I've been living in collapses at my feet
When my life is all shattered and torn
Though windswept and battered, I can cling to His cross
And find peace in the midst of my storm."

Life began for Leroy L. Collins on July 19, 1938 in the city of Chester, Pennsylvania. On the morning of October 18, 2016, Leroy made the transition to his heavenly home while at the Stella Maris Hospice Center, Timonium, MD.

The ninth of eleven children, Leroy was born to the late William H. & Artelia R. Walker Collins. His developmental years were formed in Chester under the guidance of his parents who instilled in him core values of love, faith, and honest regard for others that would carry him throughout his life.

Leroy grew up in the Temple Baptist Church in Chester under the pastorate of the late Rev. D. W. White. After his baptism, Leroy became more active in the various activities that included singing in the Pastor's Aid Chorus and serving on various committees.

Leroy graduated from Chester High School in 1956 and entered the U.S. Army on 12/14/1961. He was honorably discharged on 12/13/1963.

On May 25, 1963, Leroy was married to the late Alice Elaine Corbitt. To this union was born their son, Brian.

Leroy left employment at the Diamond Ice & Fuel Company in 1968 to start work at the General Motors Corporation in Wilmington, DE. He later transferred to General Motors in Baltimore, MD. In 1976, Leroy and Elaine made MD their permanent home first moving to Woodlawn and then to Joppa in 1977. After 34 years of employment, Leroy retired in 1992.

Not neglecting his Christian beliefs and duties, Leroy searched for a church home that would fill his spiritual needs. At the encouragement and invitation from his friends, Ferley and Mamie Yerby, Leroy visited the New Psalmist Baptist Church. In 1978, he joined the church under the pastorate of Rev. Walter S. Thomas, Sr. (now elevated to Bishop). Leroy's love of music and singing led him to join the Male Chorus, Chapel Choir and the Church Choir. He was former vice president of the Chapel Choir. Leroy was a devoted member of the Reading Ministry where he read scripture before the 7:30AM worship service.

Not one to be idle, Leroy went into the home improvement business after retirement and took exceptional pride in his work. Nothing satisfied him more than to know that his honesty and commitment created a bond of trust with his customers – many of whom were New Psalmist Baptist members. Leroy also played an integral role in the building and renovations of New Psalmist Baptist Church and School in their former location at 4501 Old Frederick Rd.,
Baltimore, MD. Leroy's faith and walk with the Lord deepened as he became increasingly involved in the teachings and preaching of God. Leroy faithfully attended church and contributed financially until his health declined. He never ceased to praise God for the blessings that came in the midst of his challenges. His living was a testimony that God never forsakes those who put their trust in Him.

Leroy loved people and the joy they brought to him. Like a magnet, he brought others into his world whether it was entertaining in his home, watching sports, or engaging in a debate over community and world affairs. His kindness, willingness to help others and his unconditional caring for family and friends made him a "giant of a man". In return, he was the recipient of unselfish devotion as others cared for him on his final journey.

Leroy's passing leaves a void in the lives of so many; however, we were so fortunate to have had him with us. In addition to his parents, Leroy was preceded in death by his wife, Elaine; his brothers, Samuel, McClure, Edwin and John; and sister, Julia Holmes. His life and memory will be cherished by his three unwavering and devoted sons, Glen (Eileen) Maness, Sr.; Phila., PA; Shayne Maness, NJ; Brian (Lena) Collins, Newport Richey, FLA; eight grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; three brothers, Frederick (Mary), Rubonia, FLA; Ronald, Chester, PA; and Joseph, Broomall, PA; two sisters, Ruth Raymond and Doris Lawrence, both of
Chester, PA; mother-in-law, Ann Corbitt, Chester, PA; brother-in-law, Vance (Marie) Corbitt; two sisters-in-law, DeLois M. Collins of Rose Valley, PA; Joyce (Paul) Richardson of VA; uncle, Rodney (Andrea) Wilson, Aston, PA; three aunts, Loretta Wilson; Ruby Wilson; and Barbara Wilson, all of PA; special and dear friend, Dorothy Raymond, Chester, PA; faithful friends of Joppa known as the "No Name Dames" and their husbands; and a host of nephews, nieces and cousins.

You can shed tears that he has gone
Or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he will come back
Or you can open your eyes and see all that he has left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him
Or you can be full of the love that you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him and only that he is gone
Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back
Or you can do what he would want – smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Lovingly submitted,
The Family


Those who desire may contribute to:
American Diabetes Association
1701 North Beauregard St.
Alexandria, VA 22311
Or
American Cancer Society
8219 Town Center Drive
Baltimore, MD 21236