Family Matriarch Completes Journey

With profound sadness, I'm sharing the news of the passing of one of our last remaining MCJ family members of her generation, Geneva Collins. Geneva passed on the morning of January 29, 2024 at the age of 97. It is customary in our family for women to outlive their husbands and in this case her husband Robert passed in 1992.

Geneva had been in declining health for the last couple of years and although she was naturally a very strong person, age and nature finally caught up and God mercifully allowed her to complete her earthly journey, passing peacefully in the care of loved ones.

Geneva was married to Robert Collins Sr. and together they raised 11 children. Although their roots were in Charleston, Mississippi, Dayton Ohio was where they chose to migrate to and raise their family. The term of family matriarch is especially fitting in this case because not only was Geneva the oldest living female family member for the Collins branch but she was revered and held in the highest esteem by all who graced her presence.

Its commonly known that Geneva Collins and Minnie Mae Collins were vey close and that bond formed in their youth in Charleston, Mississippi continued throughout their lifetime and naturally was passed on to their children in Dayton, Ohio and Kansas City, Missouri respectively. In fact, in their early adult years of having babies they had a friendly competition where Geneva would have a girl and Minnie would have a boy and this went on for 10-15 years. They even came up with a trade scenario where they would swap a girl for a boy but after giving birth they couldn't carry through with the deal and its doubtful Willie and Robert would go along anyway.

Geneva was a quiet force and had a commanding presence that is rare, where you don't really have to say very much in words. The sheer weight of her character and the tremendous respect and esteem she was held in made those around her want to do the right thing. Rest well Auntie, you have more than completed your work here on earth and now your reward awaits you in heaven.

Tentative arrangements are being made and funeral services are scheduled for Feb. 8th and 9th in Dayton. Specific details along with the obituary are forthcoming and we will share when available.