Dorothy Jean Collins

With hearts filled with love and cherished memories, we celebrate the life of Dorothy Jean Collins. She PASSED ON
October 15, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio at the age of 81.

Born on March 4, 1945, in Memphis, Tennessee, Dorothy lived a life defined by love, family, strength, and resilience. As the proud mother of eight children, she built a legacy of perseverance, devotion, and enduring family bonds.

Dorothy Jean Collins is survived by eight of her brothers and sisters (there are 15 total including herself). She navigated life among her siblings in Chicago until she moved away in the early 80’s. Dorothy Jean Collins gave birth to eight children who includes: Carolyn Sarten (Husband Mario), LaVerne Collins, Gwen Collins (Terry), Christine Coachman, Darlene Collins, Dinah Collins, Eugenia Collins and Eugene Collins (Deceased). She was preceded in death by her beloved son whose memory remains an enduring part of the family story.

Monique Sarten - Jackson (her 1st Granddaughter Monique, lovingly gave her the nickname “Bma,” explaining, “My mama is the A Mama, so you are the B Mama.” The name BMa reflects the warmth, guidance, and special place Dorothy holds in the hearts of her family.

Kendra Collins - Usman (the Granddaughter she raised)

In total she leaves behind 17 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandson along with a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins that are currently living in several different states. Both her Father Andrew Whitley Sr. and her Mother Juanita Massey had already passed on with her Mom living until 2017.

As the matriarch of her family, Dorothy’s love extended to her children and grandchildren. She grew up in Chicago, IL as daughter number 2 of 15 total siblings. Dorothy Collins went to school and worked in Chicago. She attended classes at Kennedy King College for a while and also worked at Zenith. While studying the Bible with parishioners and her children she became passionate about the Word of God. She required her children to attend Bible Class three times per week (for 10 years) and to study and obey the Word of God. 

She devoted her life to being a great mother of her children and spent many years taking them several places throughout the city and state to learn and excel throughout Chicago. Regularly taking them to the Museums, Libraries, Movie Theaters, Aquarium, Parades, Parks, Amusement Parks and Beaches…throughout the years. She tragically lost her youngest child and only son to gun violence in 1988. That single event changed her life and set the tone for years of heartbreak & physical pain for her. As time went on she bestowed her love and knowledge upon her remaining children and grandchildren. For rest and relaxation she went on a cruise to the Caribbean Islands and took multiple trips traveling to Canada, New York, Florida, Georgia & many different cities and to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon a few times as she loved the lights, bells, whistles and rock scenery. 

She has PASSED ON her wisdom and understanding to all of her offspring. Her zest for life preserved her throughout the years and continues to shine in those of us that believe tragedy doesn’t have to define you. Spending time enjoying life while cooking many great meals while displaying strength and dealing with physical challenges is both her legacy and passion. Her influence will continue through the stories shared, traditions preserved, and love passed from one generation to the next.