Barbara Lee Collins

Barbara Lee Collins was born August 6, 1932, in Detroit, Michigan, to Katie and Robert Lee. Barbara grew up in Detroit's North End neighborhood during the Great Depression. She often recalled standing in soup kitchen lines with her mother, a memory that stayed with her throughout her life and shaped her resilience and gratitude. She was educated in the Detroit Public School system and graduated from Northern High School in 1950. Barbara accepted Christ and was baptized in 1965 at Friendship Baptist Church in Detroit, along with her two daughters. In 1975, she joined Springhill Missionary Baptist Church, where she was an active member of the Gospel choir and the Dorcas Circle Mission Ministry. As she grew older and went to live with her daughter, Denise; Barbara transitioned her membership to Unity Baptist Church in Detroit in 2014, and later to Greater Burnette Baptist Church in 2018, where she served on the Mother's Board. She loved God and lived her faith throughout her life. Barbara dedicated herself to a life of hard work and service. She was employed with Grace Hospital for 10.5 years as a Dietary Aide, and later with the City of Detroit as an Elevator Operator for 23.5 years, until her retirement. In 1950, she was joined in holy matrimony to Clarence Collins. To this loving union two children were born: Beverly Patricia and Denise Diana. Barbara raised her two daughters as a single parent in the Brewster Projects and Herman Gardens community, spending 20 years across these two communities. Determined and hardworking, she worked two jobs to purchase a 1966 green Ford Mustang, a car she was especially proud of. Barbara had a heart full of joy and many passions. Above all, she loved spending time with her family, particularly her granddaughter Crystal, grandson Jonathan, and great-granddaughter Victoria (Tori) — they were the joy of her life. She was a devoted grandmother, never missing a graduation or family event, and this devotion to her family was what kept her going after her retirement. Barbara was especially close to her cousin, Marianne Payne of Toledo, Ohio, who held a special place in her heart. She had a green thumb and cared dutifully for her plants, and she loved caring for animals. Barbara was an avid reader who had an extensive collection of books, and she enjoyed crocheting hats, scarves, and gloves. She enjoyed movie outings, game shows like The Price Is Right, and soap operas like Days of Our Lives. Barbara loved visiting Kensington Park for years, long before it became a popular destination. She was known among family and friends for her BBQ skills. Barbara also loved to travel — enjoying trips to Hawaii and cruises with friends, Disney vacations with family, and travels with her church family through the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education. Barbara was preceded in death by her older sister, Catherine Bolling, and her daughter, Beverly Patricia Collins. The Angel of Mercy saw that Barbara was tired, and on August 1, 2026, she was gently called home at Medilodge, with her daughter, Denise, by her side. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her loving memory: her daughter, Denise Diana Willis; her grandchildren, Crystal Diane Knox and Jonathan Lamar Willis; her great-granddaughter, Victoria Elyse Knox; her beloved cousin, Marianne Payne; cousins Sophronia Ballard, Leslye Miles and Stephanie Miles; Tyler May (Terrance), Corey Mattic, David Payne (Peggy), and Debbie Wilkins (Stephen); nephews James Collins and Jeffrey Collins; cousin Wendy Ware (Albert); and a host of other relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thank you to West Bloomfield Henry Ford Hospice, Medilodge Nursing Facility, and PACE of Southeastern Michigan Pontiac for the compassionate care given to Barbara.

Barbara Lee Collins

August 6, 1932 - August 1, 2026