The community lost a dedicated soldier for the Lord with the passing of the Rev. Millicent Jeanette Collins. A talented choral director and vocalist, she died on May 20, following a brief illness.
Rev. Collins was acclaimed throughout the AME Church, especially in Southern California, for her service to several congregations including Ward AME Church in Los Angeles and First AME Church of Compton. Most recently, she shared her talents in multiple capacities at Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church in L.A.
Working closely with her dear friend, BKCAME Pastor Mary S. Minor, Rev. Collins oversaw the children’s and youth ministry, taught a weekly Bible Study class, directed the mass choir and performed as a soloist. Describing their relationship, Pastor Minor said, “She is music; I am ministry. Together, we are praise and worship.”
A celebration of her life is planned for Saturday, June 25, at 11 a.m., at Bethel AME Church, 7900 S. Western Avenue in Los Angeles. Her remains are entrusted to Harrison-Ross Mortuary, 4601 S. Crenshaw Blvd., in Los Angeles.
Regarding her passing, the mother and older sisters of Rev. Collins issued the following statement: “My baby girl and our baby sister is gone from us and is now in the hands of our Father in heaven. Our hearts are saddened by our loss, but gladdened by the memories she left with us. Although we will cherish her, we miss her gravely. But, oh hallelujah, the Comforter has come to give us sweet peace in knowing that she rests in the Master’s arm. God Is! Love, Mom, Iva, Katye and Clide.”
A native of Memphis, Tennessee, Rev. Millicent Collins was born April 2, 1957 to the late Clyde C. Collins and Katie H. Collins. Relocating with her family to Los Angeles, she graduated from Belmont High School and later earned an Associate of Arts degree in education from L.A. Community College and a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from the University of Phoenix.
Rev. Collins was employed for 26 years as a teacher’s aide at Broadacres Avenue Elementary School in Carson. Also, she lent her talents to others areas, resulting in her reputation as the “best youth coach in drill team, track and basketball” throughout the local community.
Her musical accomplishments included performing selections at the World Expo in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1986 and at the Sydney Opera house during the McDonald’s Music Festival in 1992. In addition, Rev. Collins excelled at singing, directing choirs, playing the flute and mentoring children and youth.
For nearly 20 years, she partnered in ministry with the Rev. Dr. Mary Minor at four congregations – Saint Mark AME Church – L.A., Bethel AME Church – Perris, Murph Chapel/Saint Paul AME Church –Valinda, and Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church.
In 2014, Rev. Collins was ordained an itinerant deacon in the AME Church.
She leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Deaconess Katie H. Collins; two daughters, Kristian Orphey and Krys Collins; three sisters, Iva Ozenne, Kayte Speeks, and Clide Quinney; grandson, Krys Collins Jr., and a host of family and friends.
