McKinley "Bozo" Collins Sr.

McKinley Collins, Sr., affectionately known as "Bozo" or "Kent," was born to the late Paul Collins and Berline Baines on October 24, 1934. He received his education in the Northampton County Public Schools and was a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church in Franktown, Virginia.
McKinley lived a long blessed life. Psalm 90:10 tells us that, "The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years which is a total of 80. But thanks be to the Lord Kent was granted 10 more years."
As a young man he met and married Ruth Pettyjohn and together they shared five children. Then a little later in life he met and married Lillie Mae Gaskins and together they shared four children.
McKinley was a hardworking man, known for his dedication and skill as an oyster shucker. He was a familiar sight in his green van, picking up workers to head to the oyster beds. It was through his work and community that he met his sweetheart, Vivian "Suggie" Harmanson. They married on October 27, 1988, and shared 36 wonderful years together. McKinley loved his Suggie and he cherished their time together and she lovingly cared for him throughout their marriage.
Family was at the heart of McKinley's life. He adored spending time with his loved ones, especially his grandchildren, who were the light of his life. McKinley delighted in teaching them about God, work, cleanliness, dancing, and life's many lessons. He was also known for cooking his delicious chicken and dumplings. Not only was he a great cook, but McKinley was also a fantastic dancer. His family loved watching him dance, and his granddaughter, Bre, even taught him to make TikTok dance videos, which brought him immense joy.
On January 27, 2025, after a brief illness, God in His infinite wisdom called McKinley Collins Sr., the patriarch of the Collins family, peacefully home. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories with his wife of 36 years, Vivian Collins; his children, Rebecca Collins, McKinley Collins, Jr. (Gail), Joyce Stevenson (Dennis), Faith Harmanson, Sherry White (Terry), Alvin Collins (Roxanne), Arthur Collins, Cora Elmandorf, Inez Booze, Trinette Harmanson, and Keiosha Harmanson; his sister, Mary Giddens; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pastor Annie Custis, George Harmanson (Wanda), Jacob Harmanson, Sarah Ferebee (John), Clara Carter (Randy), Karen Collins (Mike), Kenneth Harmanson (Ronnie Marie), Rodney Harmanson (Sherry), Roderick Harmanson, and James Harmanson (Brenda); 32 grandchildren; 84 great-grandchildren; 51 great, great-grandchildren; and host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Special thanks to his loyal caregivers, Karen Collins and Aletha Reid, for their dedicated care.
McKinley was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Berline; his brother, James Custis; his sister, Elizabeth Giddiens; son-in-law, Bryan Elmandorf; grandson, Chavon "Chuckie;" and great-grandchildren, Ta-Nie, Chosen, Kameron, Khamari, and Azariyah.
His memory will forever be cherished by all who knew and loved him. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of McKinley "Bozo" Collins Sr., please visit our Tree Store.