Marjorie Elecia Mae Collins

1915 - 2017

AMHERST – Marjorie Eleca Mae Collins was born Oct. 7, 1915, in San Diego, Callifornia, to Benjamin and Audrey (Brock) Wilson. She died Sept. 25, 2017, 102 years later. Two of her grandparents were born enslaved and survived to emancipation. Another grandfather was born in Jamaica and emigrated to the United States to join the Gold Rush in California. One grandmother crossed the country in a covered wagon to reach California.

Marjorie worked as a clerk typist for the state of California and as a barber.

Marjorie was raised in San Francisco, California, with her siblings, Early Wilson and Kline Wilson, who preceded her in death as did her four husbands. She had seven other siblings raised in Houston, Texas. A Californian until her 90's, Marjorie lived for her last several years in Amherst cared for by her daughter and son-in-law and then the Elaine Center at Hadley.

A devout Jehovah's Witness in the second half of life, Marjorie Collins was fiercely independent in thought and action throughout her life. She raised her three children with love, strong values and little means. Her devotion to knowledge, hard work, and her family was well-known and admired.

Marjorie will be remembered for her civility, curiosity, and joy of song. She could recite poetry from memory, carry any tune, and never knew a stranger.

Preceding her in death: sisters Patricia Wilson, Christine Berryman, Emma Jenete Wilson, Irma Jean Wilson; brother Louis Wilson; and grandson, Anthony Briellard.

Mourning her loss are her daughter, Carlie Collins Tartakov (Gary); and sons, Clement Briellard (Marinette) and Toussaint Streat; her younger brothers and sisters Ben Wilson, Jacque Wilson, Robert Wilson; grandchildren Angela Briellard, Clarissa Streat, Courtney Jamesjohnson, Christopher Briellard, Dayna James, Desiree Harris, Erik Lyster, Kenyetta Haynes, Khalil Tinsley Briellard, Laura Lyster-Mensh, Michael Tarr, Randell Briellards, Toussaint Streat, Wendell Haynes; great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Francine Thomas Howard, Kline Wilson Jr. (Eneva), Paul Wilson (Gloria), Antoinette Hughey; and many devoted friends. 

Special mention must be given to a dear friend, Elaine Redway. The family also extends grateful appreciation to the staff and administration of the Elaine Center At Hadley for their care and kindness in Marjorie's last years.

The family will be receiving visitors at home Sunday, Oct. 1, from 2 to 4 pm. 109 High St., Amherst. (540) 905-9132.

To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to legacy.com/obituaries/gazettenet.