Mrs. Lela Elvira Collins

Obituary Queen Lela Elvira Collins was born on September 30, 1930 in Rusk, Texas, to the late Rev. Eli Whitney Wheeler, Sr. and Addie Mae (White) Wheeler. She grew up in rural Elm Grove, Texas, where she attended elementary and junior high school. Lela gave her life to Christ at an early age. Later on, her father accepted a pastoral leadership position, causing the family to move to the Midwest. She went on to graduate from Independence High School in Independence, Kansas class of 1949. Elvira met the love of her life, Jeremiah A. Collins and married on October 27, 1951. Through their union, six children, 18 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and seven great-great grandchildren were born. As a wife and mother, she was an employee of Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Later on, she became a Data Analyst for Trans World Airlines (TWA), where she eventually retired in 1991. She was heavily involved in her church while serving in every capacity. Elvira was a member of New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, where her brother, the late Rev. Levi Wheeler resided as pastor until his death. Additionally, she was an honorary member of Memorial Church International, under the tutelage of Apostle Larry B. and Pastor Olivia C. Q. Aiken. At 92 years young, Elvira transitioned in her home surrounded by her earthly and heavenly family on November 9, 2022. She is reunited in love with her husband, Jeremiah "Jerry” A. Collins; her sons, Gary Collins, Sr. and Derrick "Ricky” Collins, Sr., a grandson, Arthur Jaron Collins; her parents, Rev. Eli Whitney Wheeler, Sr. and Addie Mae (White) Wheeler; six brothers, Rev. Charles "C.C." Wheeler, Rev. Marion "M.H." Wheeler, Sr., Herman DeWitt Wheeler, Rev. Eli Wheeler, Jr., Rev. Levi Wheeler, Sr. and James Wheeler, Sr.; and ?ve sisters, Margie, Marie, Lula Mae, Reva Wade and Jean Stephens. Lela Elvira Collins leaves her legacy of four daughters; Debra (Vance) Cobbins, Linda (Steven) Randall, Angela (Bruce) Long, and Jacquelyn Collins. Her sprinkled spirit will continue to shine through her 18 grandchildren, 37 great-grandchildren, 7 great-great grandchildren and many more to come. Her love is everlasting through a great host of nieces, nephews, family and friends. Queen Lela Elvira Collins you may now take your ?nal bow and sit at the feet of Jesus. Home going celebration service will be Saturday, November 19, 2022 at 11:00am at Memorial Church International. Visitation 9:00am-11:00am at the church. Interment will be Monday, November 21, 2022 at 11:00 am in Lincoln Cemetery. Services conducted by Lawrence A. Jones & Sons Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be shared on our website. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mrs. Lela Elvira Collins, please visit our floral store. Read More

Mrs. Lela Elvira Collins

September 30, 1930 - November 9, 2022