William A. Collins

William A. Collins (Bill) was born in Troy, NY to George and Helen Collins. He was the middle of 4, with an older brother (Howard) and twin younger sisters (Joan and Jane). Bill graduated from Troy High School, where he was a 4 sport athlete and the photographer for the school newspaper. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Bill then matriculated at Union College in Schenectady, NY, and graduated with dual degrees in Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. While in college, Bill earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He also served as president of the Black Student Alliance, played basketball, baseball and ran cross country, served as a resident hall director, was a photographer, and was even a radio deejay!

Upon graduation, Bill began his employment as an engineer for E.I. DuPont in Richmond, VA. After four years in Richmond, Bill was transferred to Charlotte, NC where he met his wife Brenda after joining her church, Gethsemane AME Zion. They married in 1985. In 1987, DuPont transferred Bill to Wilmington, DE where he and Brenda made their home raising their two children (Ezra and Alex). Most recently Bill worked with J.P. Morgan & Chase as the Vice President in Technology Project Execution.

In 1994, Bill and family joined Bethel AME Church under the pastorate of then-Pastor Beaman. Bill was extremely active in the church participating in choirs, the Sons of Allen, mentoring in the Thursday Club, and instructing in the martial arts program. Along with Brenda, Bill served as a coordinator of the Marriage Ministry. For approximately 15 years, Bill served as co-coordinator of the YES Program. However, Bill’s longest commitment was serving on the Trustee Board as well as on the multimedia team guiding Bethel through virtual services, Sunday School sessions, Bible studies, and ministry meetings.

Bill loved to sing, dance, and listen to music. He was a lifelong NY Giants and NY Yankees fan. Bill was an avid long-distance runner running in several marathons and in several countries, including Australia, England, Paris, Japan, and China, and he ran in at least 30 states! He also was a proud mentor of young boys and men in the community and an active Jack and Jill of America, Inc. father.

Left to cherish Bill’s memories are his wife, Brenda; sons, Ezra (Malu) and Alex; grandson, Lyndon; granddaughter, Cyn’Nyah; sisters, Joan (Greg) and Jane; sister-in-law, Bonita; nephews, Quentin (Marhonda), Dominick, and Jarrad; nieces, Sharon and Jocelyn; aunts and a host of cousins, great-nephews, and great-nieces.

Bill is preceded in death by his daughter (Hannah), his father (George), his mother (Helen), his brother (Howard), his brother-in-law (John), and his niece (Amber), as well as a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Contributions in Bill's memory can be made to the Multi-Media Ministry at Bethel AME Church, 604 N. Walnut Street, Wilmington, DE 19801.