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1948 - 2019
1948 - 2019
Obituary
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1948
2019
The Rev. Cerdan Collins, Sr. peacefully transitioned to his eternal rest on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the University of Kentucky Hospital in Lexington, KY. Born in 1948, to Barbara Smither Collins and the late Sherman Collins. Cerdan’s legacy and life are most reflected in his service to his country and community, his passionate spirit, and his unwavering love of family.
Cerdan lived a life of service. At age 17, he joined the United States Army, and completed a Tour of Duty in Vietnam. Upon returning home, he completed Bachelors of Science degree in Political Science at the Kentucky State University. Following graduation, he began a lifelong career in criminal justice.
As a Kentucky Colonel, a 33rd Degree Mason and past Worshipful Master of the St. Peters Lodge #1; a member of the American Legion Post #2; a member of the Benedict Civic Charitable Club; and a member of many other civic and social clubs throughout his lifetime, Cerdan served his community faithfully. It was no surprise at any moment to look up and see him on the news--feeding the homeless, or helping provide disaster relief supplies to affected communities. As a Veteran, he was supportive of anything related to championing the military.
Cerdan lived his life in service to God. He was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1986 at the First Baptist Church in Lexington, KY, and went on to establish the Mars Hill Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. Much like the author of some of his favorite Psalms, King David, his journey was complex. Nonetheless, there is no denying Cerdan Collins was a man after God’s own heart.
Cerdan was a passionate man. A force of nature. Incomparable. His family and friends most commonly describe him as “the life of the party.” Whatever he did—he did with great enthusiasm. If you had the honor of ever being in his presence, you have a story to tell about him and it’s likely those stories will make you laugh. Cerdan loved to make people laugh-and flatulence was an important entertainment vehicle for him. He would entertain some of his grandchildren for hours with vivid and creative stories of farting racoons.
Cerdan Collins believed in the nourishing power of nature, and he loved to feed people with food from his garden. As a master gardener, he took great pride in growing fresh vegetables during the summer and sharing them with neighbors, friends and family. Most importantly, Cerdan loved his family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Sherman Collins; brother, The Right Reverend Sherman Esten Collins; and sister, Theresa Moss.
He is survived by loving wife, Sheila Collins; sons, Kevin Gibbs (Shae), Cerdan Collins, Jr., and Cerron Collins (Tesha); daughters, Angela Hayes (Jeff) and Cerlisa Collins; stepchildren, Arlisha Kerns and Noah Kerns, Jr.; grandchildren, Amber Gibbs, Jo’Rel Lee, Mallory Paige (Irving), Keonna Mann (Thomas), Jaiiron Collins, Paige Collins, Kevin Gibbs, Jr., Jordan Hayes, Nevaeh Coney, Amaya Collins, Jordan Collins, Ziara Taylor, Liam Huntley, Jaron Collins, Tyler Collins, Shyrel Hill, Tre’Jon Barnes, Ryan Johnson and E’Asha Kemp; great-grandchildren Joden Gibbs, Heaven Lee, Savanah Lee, Riyaiel Fisher, Zhalan Collins, Emoni Kemp and Ellis Paige; one massive tribe of family who loved him and will miss him dearly sister, Celina Bean (George) and sister, Maria Collins; brothers, Roderick Collin, Marvin Talley, Ralph Talley, Alvin Talley (LaVerle), Marcus Talley (Stacy), Karen Talley, and Velma Talley; uncle, William Dubois Smither; a host of nieces, nephews and devoted family friends Lee Hall, Richard Stowe, James Clanton, John Chapman, Morris Maniego, Francis Calfee and Greg Robinson.
Service will be held 11:00 A.M., Monday, August 12, 2019 at Gillfield Baptist Church, 209 Perry Street, Petersburg, VA, the Rev. Dr. George W. C. Lyons, Jr., Pastor and Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at the Virginia Veterans Cemetery.
A wake will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 7:30 P.M., Sunday, August 11, 2019 at the funeral establishment.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Calvin & Ardee Langford
August 12, 2019
We are so sorry to hear the news of Cerdan's passing. He was a kind man. Our prayers go out to his family and may God continue to bless them.
Helen Hickland
August 12, 2019
To the Collins Family: I am so sorry for this great loss. While I did not know him personally (I feel like I did), he was related to members of my family, both directly and via marriage. May our great, awesome, compassionate, loving God bless you with the comfort of each other and friends, but also with the Comfort only the Holy Spirit can give. May he give peace and strength, as well as the hope and expectation of a reunion with him. My and my family's prayers continue for you at this most difficult time.
Louise Mitchell
August 12, 2019
Our prayers are with the family. We will surely miss Cerdane at the family gatherings.
Lula Divers
August 11, 2019
I met Mr. Collins through my neighbor Francis Calfee. I needed some help with a closet rod. The moment I handed his fee, he looked at it and said I said ? and I replied your work is worth that extra to me. He wanted to know, are you sure? I knew there was something special about this man. In parting, he said, "if you need me, call me". Rev. Collins was one of the nicest, kindest, and thorough persons I have ever met. His work spoke truth of him. When he did a job for you he did it completely well. I will miss him and I pray that you Mrs. Collins and the family will hold his special memories in your hearts and they will be your solace. Rest in peace Rev. Collins.
Lula Divers
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August 11, 2019
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this time of loss, he will be missed by many, a caring & wonderful man."
The McWilliams Family
Alex and Patricia Dobson
August 11, 2019
We are so very sorry for your loss.
Metcalf Family & White Family
August 10, 2019
Collins Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of Cerdan.
May GOD'S everloving Arm shield each of you doing this difficult time to bring comfort and peace.
Our Prayers are with you. Be Blessed Always.
Lucy Cunningham
August 10, 2019
Keeping you all in my my thoughts and prayers.
Tasha Mattison
August 10, 2019
R.I.P Uncle Cerdan
Mamie Crawford
August 10, 2019
Sorry for the transitioning of your loved one from earth to glory. Praying for your strength, comfort and endurance during this time.
Charles and lucille Mcelhaney
August 10, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Sending our deepest sympathy
Mary Martin
August 10, 2019
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Valerie Blizzard
August 9, 2019
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during your time of remembering the life of your loved one.
Viola Barnes McWilliams
August 8, 2019
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
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102 South Ave, Petersburg, VA 23803-4220
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