Ethel Harrison Collins

Mrs. Ethel Harrison Collins, age 94, of Toccoa, Georgia, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025.

Born on June 18, 1930, in Westminster, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late SJ Harrison and Mary Elizabeth Poole Harrison Haymond. Ethel joined St. Mark Baptist Church at an early age and remained deeply committed to her faith throughout her life. She served faithfully alongside her husband, the late Rev. Bennie Collins, at both Crossroads Baptist Church in Westminster, SC, and Travelers Rest Baptist Church in Madison, SC.

Ethel worked as a skilled seamstress at Wright’s Manufactory until her retirement. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and servant of the Lord.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rev. Bennie Collins; her sister, Mae Sam Harrison; her brothers, Milton, James (Mammie), George, and Rosco (Jessie) Harrison; her sons, Bobby G. (Alma) Fleming and Benjamin (Brenda) Collins; and her grandson, Kerry Major.

She leaves to cherish her memory her brother, LJ Harrison (Mable) of Toccoa, Georgia; and her seven daughters: Elaine Collins Richardson (James) of Charlotte, North Carolina; Mardella Jones (Tony) of Mauldin, South Carolina; Shelby Collins-Cureton of Toccoa, Georgia; Carolyn Scott (Julius) of Toccoa, Georgia; Shelia Major (Butch) of Toccoa, Georgia; Melissa Beasley (Sheldon) of Johns Creek, Georgia; and Gail Trimier (Jimmy) of Simpsonville, South Carolina. Her legacy continues through her 22 grandchildren, 41 great-grandchildren, and 7 great-great-grandchildren, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.

Mrs. Collins will be remembered for her unwavering faith, her gentle spirit, and the enduring love she gave to all who knew her.