CENTRALIA — Maryann Collins, 89, of Centralia passed away Saturday, March 11, 2023, at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Centralia. She was born on March 8, 1934, the daughter of Sam Norwood and Alineal Humblein Centralia. She married William Justus Collins on March 11, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he preceded her in death.
Maryann was a proud graduate of Lincoln Elementary School and Centralia High School with high honors and as a state scholar. She went on to attend Kaskaskia College. Maryann met the love of her life, William Justus Collins at Madame C.J. Walker’s, where she worked at the finance center, while Bill was home on leave from the military. They were married on March 11, 1956, in Indianapolis, Indiana, and he preceded her in death. Maryann and Bill co-owned the Collins Pharmacy in Indianapolis along with Bill’s parents, where Bill was the head pharmacist.
Survivors that will hold precious memories of Maryann include her beloved family, sons, William Collins of Swansea, Illinois, Steve Collins and wife Linda of Schaumburg, and John Collins of Houston, Texas; daughter, Karen (Arline) Collins; grandchildren, Gabrielle Collins and fiancé Zach Bauman, and Aren Collins and wife Daria; brother, William Norwood and wife Molly of Mesa, Arizona; sisters-in-law, Janice Norwood of Centralia, and Joyce Norwood of Laguna-Niguel, California; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Maryann was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Robert Norwood, and Richard Norwood; and sister, Delores Wanzo and husband Otto; and her daughter Katrina Collins.
Mrs. Collins was a beautiful woman of faith, who accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a faithful servant of God and a member of the Second Baptist Church in Centralia. She was an intricate part of her church family, serving on the Second Baptist Mother’s Board, Second Baptist Women’s League as a member and officer, Second Baptist Sunday School as a past Superintendent and youth teacher and Vacation Bible School leader. She participated in the Second Baptist Lord’s Supper and served in Eucharist Leadership. Mrs. Collins was also a member and officer of the Mount Olive District Association and Church Women United. She had a heart for and took a great interest in her community, giving back wherever she could. She was a member and officer of the Centralia Child Welfare Organization. A lifetime member and friend of the Centralia Socialites Organization. She was a member and officer of the National Association of Club Women and Girls in the Southern Illinois District (she was the club Woman of the Year), the Illinois State District and the National Organization. A member and shop steward for the Illinois Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Maryann was proud to be a lifelong fan and season ticket holder for the Centralia High School Orphans, supporting her hometown team. She had the privilege of being a past honoree and member of the Centralia Business and Professional Women. Maryann was excited to share life skills while being a den mother for the Boy Scouts of America.
Maryann was employed at Illinois Power, for many years retiring as a warehouse manager. She had admirable leadership and teaching skills and people were naturally drawn to her confident spirit. She had a gift of writing and a love of the written Word of God. Maryann would compose beautiful poetry, thoughtful letters, and tributes from her heart. She enjoyed reading and the entire community will remember her love of walking. Maryann was a true food connoisseur and kept an extensive dining journal of all the wonderful meals she enjoyed. She was grateful to have had the experience of traveling to destinations all over the world with her daughter. She carried herself with grace and poise and had a kind and generous spirit. Maryann’s strong faith and compelling testimony brought hope to the vast cross-section of people she met.
A celebration of life service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 18, 2023, at the Second Baptist Church in Centralia with Rev. Isaac Parker officiating. Friends and relatives are welcome to a visitation time from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2023, at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia and 12:00 p.m. until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.
Memorials may be made in Maryann’s honor to the Second Baptist Church and will be accepted for the family at the Irvin Macz Funeral Home in Centralia. Online condolences and memories of Maryann may be shared with the family by visiting maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home’s Facebook page.