HR0601 103RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0601 LRB103 39396 MST 69577 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Pastor John E. Collins Sr., who passed away on February 1, 2024; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was born in Yazoo County, Mississippi to John Jr. and Laura B. Collins on September 14, 1955; he attended Paderewski and Robert Burns Elementary Schools and graduated from Westinghouse High School in 1974, which he affectionately referred to as "The House"; he married Gail Henning on February 3, 1979; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins owned and operated Collins Realty, a thriving real estate brokerage; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was a charter member of Great True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, where he served faithfully; he was active in ministry and served as an organist, president of the choir, financial secretary, Sunday school teacher, and deacon; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins accepted the call to the ministry and preached his first sermon on April 27, 1991; he became a licensed minister on April 28, 1991, and he was ordained in September of that same year; he became the pastor of Great True Vine Missionary Baptist Church on October 6, 1996; during this time, he also became a member of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was committed to making a positive impact on the Austin Community; he established the Laura B. Collins Development Center; his church spearheaded, participated in, and partnered with several programs, including Feed the Hungry, Angel Tree, and Toys for Tots, and the church assisted with several shelters and provided PPE during the pandemic; in addition, his church housed several programs, including an after school and mentorship program, a rental assistance program, and employment and training programs; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins had a desire to remain a life-long learner; he attended the Christian Bible Institute and obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Theology from Morris Booker Memorial College; he received a Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and a Master of Christian Ministry from Faith Evangelical Seminary; most recently, he was pursuing his doctoral degree; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was an undeniable leader and assumed several leadership roles, serving as vice president of the United Baptist State Convention of Illinois, vice president of the Congress of Christian Education of the United Baptist State Congress of Illinois, vice president of New Baptist Ministers Fellowship of Chicago and Vicinity, and vice moderator for the Sunlight District Association; he also served as president of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship and as vice moderator of the Sunlight District Association; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was a hard worker and fierce provider; preaching was his calling, but his family was definitely his ministry; he adored his wife, children, and grandchildren and was always present and showed up in every capacity; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dale; and

WHEREAS, Pastor Collins is survived by his wife of 45 years, Gail; his children, Takisha (James), JaQuice, Brooke (Jeremiah), Tacori, Tamika, and John; his grandchildren, Ya'J, Morgan, Makayla, Mayson, London, Landon, Logan, Parker, and Lyric; his sister, Annie (Anthony); his brothers, Darrell (Kimberly) and Tyrone (Aishah); his bonus grandchildren; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law, and friends; and the congregation at Great True Vine Baptist Church; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Pastor John E. Collins Sr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Pastor Collins as an expression of our deepest sympathy.