Obituary of Floyd Collins

Floyd was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to parents Cornelius R. Collins and Ruth Jones-Collins on June 15, 1940.   He received his early education in Philadelphia and later in Wilmington public schools after his parents relocated to Delaware. Floyd was a studious student who loved science.  From his youth well into adulthood, he was small in stature, but a Giant in personality and humility.  Despite the adversity he faced throughout his life, he kept his warm, caring, humble, loving qualities.  Both of his sisters recall him being a real sweetheart.

Floyd loved to sing and had an incredible voice that reminded you of Smokey Robinson.  Growing up, he and the numerous fellows within his Southbridge neighborhood could often be found crooning and be-bopping to their harmonies of songs.

Floyd learned the Bible and loved the Lord.  His upbringing was shared with Grandpop Roman Jones, Sr., who was an ordained Reverend and Grandmother Viola Jones, who served as a missionary and Evangelist.  The family fellowshipped together at McManus Holiness Church, formerly located on A Street in Wilmington.   Throughout his life, Floyd never forgot his spiritual roots, and would quote scriptures memorized from his youth.  As an adult, he joined Reverend Koontz’s Church on Union Street in Wilmington, which was held inside the old Park Theater in 1968.  Floyd worked for several years at the St. Francis Hospital and also at the Pocopson Nursing Home in maintenance.  During his lifetime, he married Evelyn Boone and became a stepfather to her two children.  While the marriage did not last, they ended on amicable terms and remained friends. 

Floyd was a resident for many years in Delaware City before moving to Camdem- Wyoming, Delaware. Despite his mental disability, Floyd remained humble and caring to his family circle and friends and he was deeply loved. He was fondly called, “Uncle Bake Bean” by many of his nieces and nephews because of his love for baked beans that he would often pair with his meals, particularly barbeque and fried chicken.  He will surely be missed for his humor, wit, and loving nature.  While Floyd faced many challenges in this life, he remained positive giving the 2 thumbs up sign just 3 weeks ago while fighting fibrosis of the lung in Kent General Hospital. 

Floyd leaves to cherish his memory, 2 sisters, Ruth Price of Bear, DE. and Ruby Hinson of Wilmington, 1 Brother-in-Law Robert S. Price, 1 Sister-in Law, Dolores Collins-Broomer (Harold), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Cornelius, Step-father, Clarence Merity, 2 Brothers, Cornelius and Harold Collins, 1 Sister, Rosalind Merity, 2 Brother-in-Laws, Alan Huff, Sr. and James F. Hinson, Jr., and all of his maternal aunts and uncles that made up the 11 Jones children from his grandparents’ union– Garfield, Luther, Alonzo, James, Roman Jr., Wilbert (Bo), Ardessa, Elsie, Naomi, and Harriet, ALL of whom, he loved dearly. 

The family would like to extend a warm thank you to all who cared for Floyd throughout his illness, and to everyone who has shown kindness by word or deed during our time of bereavement.  May God bless you and return your kindness.