Elsie Marie Collins, 82, of 249 Burnett’s Way, Suffolk, died Dec. 27, 2005 in Nansemond Pointe Healthcare Center.

She was a native of Nansemond County and daughter of the late Eddie and Ava Gwaltney Williams.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rathmond Mills Collins and one son, Eddie Collins.

She was a lifelong member of Palm Tree Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Senior and Mass Choirs, President of the Missionary Circle, Mother of the Church, Sunday School teacher and represented the church on many occasions.

She was an active member of the Eastern Star organization.

She retired as a Nurse’s Aide from Obici Hospital and continued to work part-time after retirement.

She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Alvin C. Collins of Annapolis, Md. and Rathmond M. Collins, III (Lorie) of Suffolk; two daughters, Vera C. Craig (Vernon) of Smithfield, Va. and Catherine Michelle Collins of Killeen, Tex.; five grandchildren, Alvin C. Collins, Jr., Edward Collins, Sr. (Kaye), V. Timothy Craig, Rachel D. Collins and Rathmond M. Collins, IV; one great-grandson, Edward Collins, Jr.; one sister, Willie Dildy of Suffolk; three sisters-in-law; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The funeral service will be held Friday, Dec. 30, 2005 at 2:00 p.m. in Palm Tree Baptist Church (8165 Whaleyville Boulevard) by Rev. Ray C. Bagley.

Interment will be in Benton Cemetery (Freeman Mill Road).

The family will be at 1026 Cathedral Drive, Suffolk (off King’s Fork Road).

Crocker Funeral Home is handling arrangements.

Messages of Sympathy may be sent to the family at www.crockerfuneralhome.com.