Obituary of Frances Irene Collins

Early Sunday morning, April 21, 2024, Frances Irene Collins, Sr. departed this earth and went to live with God. Frances was born on February 10, 1936, to Eugene and Christine Sanders. She grew up on Woodside Lane in Riverton, NJ, and was the youngest child in her family of eight children. Frances graduated from Palmyra High School, where she participated in the Talent Committee, Prom Committee, Fund Fair, and Red and White. She received her Christian education and was baptized at St. Paul Baptist Church in Cinnaminson, NJ. Frances married Charles A. Collins, Sr. of Merchantville, NJ, on March 13, 1954. Charles and Frances enjoyed 65 wonderful, loving years together with many precious memories. To this union, 19 children were born. Frances is lovingly known by her children as The Mom, Momma, Mae Ma, and Gallie, and by her Alexa as Lady Frances. She was a woman of many talents and created a beautifully decorated home for her family in Cinnaminson, NJ. She was a master chef and loved making the holidays special and decorating her Christmas trees to perfection. Her favorite holiday was the 4th of July, where you would find her sitting on Riverton Road beside her sister, ready for the parade and an all-day party. A woman of beauty, style, and grace, she enjoyed browsing the latest women’s fashions at Nordstrom and Macy’s, followed by a visit to the towel department. She enjoyed sewing throughout much of her life and made many quilts. On one special Christmas, she made aprons for all of her children. Frances enjoyed making photo albums of special memories with her children and grandchildren and, later, began creating her own videos on her iPad. She was a talented poet, marking many special occasions with beautiful verses. She loved music and singing, and her home was always filled with the sounds of her favorite artists. She had a love for pigs, which you’ll spot in almost every room. Frances enjoyed traveling around the U.S. to many college and NFL games and had the opportunity to meet several celebrities through these adventures. She loved her dear friends and neighbors. She had a kind heart, quick to lend a helping hand when needed. No wonder she was honored for being an outstanding mother and was even featured in a special episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show. Frances was preceded in death by her loving husband, Charles A. Collins, Sr., and four daughters, Denise Collins-Gross, Cynthia Watson, Valerie Collins, and Cheryl Collins-Bolden. Frances leaves to cherish her memory, seven sons and seven daughters-in-law, Charles Jr. (Rene), William (Kathy), Andre (Ericka), Gerry (Loren), Phillip (Morgen), Jason (Dorinda), Aaron (Angie); eight daughters and five sons-in-law, Lisa (Mark), Barbara (Bryan), Brenda, Sandy (Sean), Frances Jr., Dana (Howard), Heather (David), Christine; one devoted sister, Bernice Hazell; five sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law, Doris Bass (Jim), Molly Sanders, Dee Dee Sanders, Louise Collins, and Bertha Walker; 29 grandchildren, 14 boys and 15 girls, Lindsey, Steven, Amber, Victoria, Patrick, Taylor, Lola, Heather, Christopher, Andrew, Sarah, Aaron Jr., Kennedy, Carley, Jackson, Anthony, Karis, Reagan, Chet, Payton, Jason Jr., Jacob, Avery, Lily, Madison, Adrian, Charlie, August, and Harlow. One great-granddaughter, Leanna, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends. We miss you every day, Mom. Lovingly Submitted, The Family