The family

The Collins family record, the history of George Collins, and the Collins photographs were gathered and kept by Dorothy King, George’s daughter and Ophelia’s aunt.

Out of Yazoo County

Where the Collins family went, 1920s to today: Chicago, Detroit, St. Louis, Connecticut, and California, and some stayed.

The map shows the branches named in the family record. If your branch is missing, tell me on the Memories page.

George Collins and his children

Photographs kept by Dorothy King.

George Collins sitting on the front bumper of a truck — George Collins1889 to 1978. Dorothy King calls him “the Daddy of us all.”

Two women side by side. Ceal Collins-Wells is on the left in yellow. Gladys Collins Street is on the right in pink. — Ceal Collins-Wells1908 to 1993
Gladys Collins Street

Hilton (Tane) Collins (twin)1922 to 2001

Wayon (Mook) Collins1925 to 1997, Ophelia’s father

Dorothy Collins-Kingborn 1949, who kept this record

Read about George, by Dorothy KingWritten for a family reunion

George Collins, the Daddy of us all, was born April 20, 1889 in Yazoo County, Mississippi. His parents were Missouri Cargo-Collins and Coleman Collins. Both his parents are believed to be buried in Day Cemetery, Bentonia, MS but have no headstones. Missouri Cargo was Indian; some say Black Indian, some say Crete Indian. Her complexion was dark and she had straight black hair. Coleman Collins was part Black and part White, we believe.

George was known for his ‘moonshine’ making. He moved around a lot and never lived close to the road, always far back in the country. In addition to making it, he was a pretty good drinker in his day too.

He also farmed. He kept a decent vehicle, fed and clothed his family and didn’t owe the white man at the end of crop season. He never owned any land in Mississippi, but was always able to provide for his family. The only property he owned was the building he bought in Chicago in 1971. The address was 3843 W. Wilcox St.

He once said that after he started having children, he toned down some. He didn’t want someone (probably whites) to hurt any of his children to get back at him. It’s gathered he was pretty much a hell-raiser in his younger days.

He was a cigar smoker. El Productos and Dutch Masters were his favorite brands. In his later years, he’d send the grandkids to the store to purchase them. Sometimes, when his daughter, Dorothy, went to dinner, she’d buy him one of those expensive cigars. He got a kick out of that. All she had to do was tell him how much it cost.

He had very fine, almost straight hair. The black barbers didn’t know how to cut it. So, he usually had one of his sons come over and cut it for him.

He was very much family oriented, always checking on the family, going to see them, having them come and live with him, and just doing whatever he could to help. He just loved his family. He was especially crazy about his grandkids.

He was a deacon at his church, Rose Hill, in Mississippi. He was also a Mason.

He moved to Chicago in 1956 with his wife Susan and daughter Dorothy. While there, he worked for a while at Handy Button, a factory where his son, Hoy, worked. He later opened a neighborhood grocery store with his son Herbert. This store was located at 2900 W. Fillmore St., in Chicago.

He loved wrestling, westerns and pretty much anything where folks were getting beat up and shot! There was one time when he and Dorothy were sitting in the emergency room at the hospital one night and they brought in a guy that had been beaten up. He actually thought it was funny!

He was superstitious and says he could see ghosts. He used to tell lots of ghost stories.

He liked going to Maxwell St., the open-air market around Halsted & 13th streets. There was a lot of trading, selling and bartering. Sunday was usually the best day to go. He wasn’t the only one that went to Maxwell St. His sons went too: Herbert, Hilton, Hoy, Hillary and Mook. He used to buy cane, cut it, peel it and chew out the sugar. All of his furniture came from there, it was all used. Dorothy’s first sewing machine and typewriter (big old Underwood) came from Maxwell St.

He used to make a concoction that he called a ‘Thang’. It was similar to a peach cobbler. He used canned peaches and canned biscuits. Some may remember it.

Another of his concoctions was a drink he made using milk, raw eggs, sugar and vanilla flavor. Beat it all up and drink it, raw eggs and all.

The following is a list of George’s siblings, as best remembered by Hilton Collins: James, Henry, Alice, Mose, George, Gertrude, Coleman, Rosie (Sang), Joe (twin), Dolphord (twin), Wess and Jimmy.

He was first married to Hattie Logan and to this union, twelve children were born: eight sons and four daughters. Hattie Logan-Collins died in Chicago and is buried in the Chicago area.

He later married Susan Carter and to this union, one daughter, Dorothy, was born. Six of his children were older than Susan. Susan passed on June 26, 2014 and she’s buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Yazoo City, MS.

George Collins died March 20, 1978 in Chicago at Mt. Sinai Hospital. He is buried in Day Cemetery on Scotland Rd. in Bentonia, MS.

Ophelia’s family

Great-grandparentsColeman Collins and Missouri CargoYazoo County, Mississippi
GrandparentsGeorge Collins and Hattie LoganYazoo County to Chicago
ParentsWayon “Mook” Collins and Mary Alice HolmesYazoo County to Illinois
OpheliaOphelia Holmes1954 to 2026

Her motherMary Alice Holmes

Her fatherWayon Collins “Mook”1925 to 1997

The Holmes side

Mary Alice’s father: Henry Holmes, with his mother.

Mary Alice’s mother: Willie Lee Tucker.

Mary Alice’s aunt, Willie Lee Tucker’s sister: Hattie B Hendrix “Hattie Bee.”

Ophelia’s uncle: Fullilove Tucker Sr., 1914 to 1998.

Mary Alice’s husband: Eddie Donelson.

Mary Alice’s other children, Ophelia’s sisters and brother: Margie Holmes, Patsy Tennon, Denise Woodard, and Henry Holmes.

The cover of Little Milton’s album Annie Mae’s Cafe: three men outside a brick cafe with a neon sign

A close view of the cafe window, with Mary Alice standing inside

Mary Alice’s cafe was on the cover of Little Milton’s Annie Mae’s Cafe in 1986. That is her, standing inside the window.

The Collins side

Mook’s parents: George Collins and Hattie Logan.

Mook’s brothers and sisters: George Jr. “Fred,” Lucille “Ceal,” Willie “Missie,” Hattie Mae, Oliver, Hoy, Thurser, Boyd, Hilton “Tane,” Hillary, Herbert, and Dorothy.

Mook’s children with Iona Knight, Ophelia’s half brothers and sisters: Gladys, Wayon Jr. “W.C.,” Marcella, Velmon, Wilbert, Betty “Cookie,” Jessie James, Aszeleana, and Darnell.

OpheliaOphelia HolmesDecember 16, 1954 to September 2026

Her sisters and brother, and their familiesMargie HolmesPatsy Tennon “Teacup”married Bob Tennon; children Latoya Walters, Taneshia Tennon, and Bob Michael Tennon Jr.; granddaughter ZoieDenise Woodardmarried Dewayne Woodard; children Jasmine Woodard and Courtney BledsoeHenry Holmesmarried Vivian Holmes; children Henry Holmes, Denise Gbassage, and Marian Holmes; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren

Her grandchildrenAlyssa, Kiyana, and Xavier “Zay”with their mother, Angel Evans

The Collins family tree

Her great-grandfatherColeman Collinsborn 1862, Yazoo County

Her great-grandmotherMissouri Cargo1864 to 1938

Her grandfatherGeorge CollinsApril 20, 1889, Yazoo County, to March 20, 1978, Chicago

Her grandmotherHattie Logan1892, Yazoo County, to 1965, Chicago

Her fatherWayon Collins “Mook”April 23, 1925, Yazoo County, to October 1, 1997, Illinois

Her motherMary Alice Holmesdates not in the family record

OpheliaOphelia HolmesDecember 16, 1954, Yazoo County, to September 2026

George’s branch is open below; the other twelve are Coleman and Missouri’s other children, in birth order. Sourced from records kept by Dorothy King. Deceased relatives are shown with their years; living relatives by name only, and children under 18 by first name only.

Ophelia’s branch

George Collins Ophelia’s line 1889 to 1978294 descendants listed

married Hattie Logan 1892 to 1965; Susan Carter b. 1915

George Collins Jr “Fred” 1907 to 1954
married Daisy Powell
- Quinzola Collins 1948 to 2009
  married Robert Allen
  - Amber A. Allen
  - Daniell Allen
- James E. Collins
  married Connie
  - Shari M. Collins
  - Jael Collins
- Elwood Collins
  married Sharon Davis
  - Tamika M. Collins
    - Corey J. Sumner
    - Chanel D. Sumner
  - Dawn A. Collins
    - Ronnie D. Jenkins
  - Elwood A. Collins
  - Baron D. George Collins
- Fred Collins
  - Lawrence D. Collins
    - Alana A. Bell
  - Angela Katrice Collins
    - Elisha U. Collins
  - Toyoko E. Collins
- Charles Wayne Collins
  married Charlotte
  - Kelly Collins
  - Chad Collins
Lucille Collins “Ceal” 1908 to 1993
married Otis Wells 1908 to 1993
Willie Collins “Missie” 1910 to 1993
Hattie Mae Collins 1912 to 2004
married Boise Powell
- Merlean Powell 1932 to 2011
  married Woodrow Wilson 1931 to 1983
  - Charlene Wilson 1951 to 1996
    - Alan Preston Wilson
- Christine Powell
  married Preston Brown Jr.; Addison Wright
  - Preston Brown III 1954 to 2006
    married Doretha Marie Tate
    - Antoine Brown
    - Antoinette Brown
      - Durral Devaux
      - Darren Darnel Hull
    - Damond Chanelle Hughs
  - Kevin Brown
    married Audreta Hollis
    - Amy Brown 1969 to 1969
    - April S. Brown
    - David S. Brown
  - Patricia Lynn Wright
    married Johnnie Horton
    - Kevin M Wright
      - Yolanda K.C. Wright
      - Cameron Wright
    - Qiana R. Wright
      married Michael Williams
      - Alexis Abad
      - Ta'hari Williams
      - Kiarie Williams
    - Travis L.A.Wright
    - Darryl Wright
  - Vanessa Wright
    - Tiresia Bonte Powell “Reesie”
      married Thomas Kligel
      - Christina Marie Kligel “Tina”
      - Victoria “Tori”
    - Preston Tyrome Powell “Rome”
      - Charles Anthony Corbitt
    - Teosha Moeka Powell “T or Mo”
      - Denaizcha Arlene Lechai Murrell
        Jay'dah
- Wayon Powell “Dick” 1933 to 2011
  married Eloise Stewart; Darlene Marie Stimmel; Brenda Boyd
  - Christopher Powell
  - Wanda Marie Powell
    married Carl Poe
    - Markus Powell
    - Brianna Poe 1999 to 1999
    - Josalyn Poe
  - Dianne Louise Powell
    married Gary Emil Smith
    - Anthony Larry Smith
    - Lonnie Washington
    - Andrew Leedle
  - Stacha Powell
    married Albert Young
    - Allen Dupre Young
  - Daphane Powell
Oliver Collins 1914 to 1983
married Evelyn Johnson
- Delores Collins
  married Curtis B. Thomas 1940 to 1987
  - Gwendolyn R. Thomas
    - Earl Darius Thomas
      - Tania LaShay Thomas
    - Kenneth Dwayne Thomas
    - Curtis Durand Thomas
Hoy Collins 1916 to 1985
married Thelma; Jewel
- Brenda Collins
  - Yvette D. Collins
    - Javonda M. Collins
  - George E. Collins
Thurser Collins 1918 to 1991
married Allen Murphy Sr. d. 2005
- Kathleen Murphy
  married Huntley
  - Douglas Huntley
    - Shantrena Huntley
    - LaTonya Huntley
    - Antwyone Huntley
    - Aretha Huntley
  - Diane Huntley
    - Wendy
    - Sherry
  - Jerry Huntley
  - Nadine Huntley
    - Takeila
    - Takessa
    - Demarkco
    - Dana
  - Debra Huntley
    - Sharonda
    - Tamica
    - La Sammie Jr.
    - Demetri
  - Michael Huntley
    - Shakiam Huntley
  - Marvin Huntley
  - Jeanette Huntley
    - Ricky Jr.
  - Thurser Huntley
    - Mario
    - Marvell
  - Mildred Huntley
    - Dante
  - Delores Huntley
- Allen Hilton Murphy
  - Marliesa Murphy
  - Plokissa Murphy
- Eddie Murphy “Freddie” d. 1999
  - Wyketa Murphy
- James Earl Murphy
  - Damon Murphy
Boyd Collins 1920 to 2000
married Willie B. Neal 1922 to 1987
- Hugh Collins
  married Ruby Busby; Minnie
  - Shirley Ann Collins
    - Brandon Monae Collins
    - Taleah Collins
  - Linda Collins
    - LaShinda Collins
    - LaTia Collins
    - LaParis Collins
  - O'Kieya Collins
- Margaret Collins 1943 to 1978
  married Charles Glover; Eugene Overstreet
  - Terrance Glover
  - Darryl Overstreet 1963 to 1996
  - Kimberly Overstreet
- Milvertia Collins
  married John Allen Brookins 1942 to 2015
  - Jewel Brookins
  - Juevette Brookins
    married Pierre Craig Jr.
- Alma Collins 1947 to 1986
  married Aubry N. Brent Jr.; Sylverster Brookins d. 1997
  - Catherine Emmanette Brent
  - Pamela Brookins
- Ruby Collins
  married Joe N. Moore; Bobby Flowers
  - Janae Moore
  - Mekia Moore
  - Derek Flowers
    married Tina
    - Derek Dwayne Flowers Jr
    - Daryl Flowers
    - Darius Flowers
  - Barbara Flowers
    married Franklin R. Jackson II
    - Heather Monae Jackson
    - Franklin R. Jackson III
- Cobie B. Collins
  married Virginia Grant
  - Cobie B. Collins Jr.
    married Frances
  - Corey Kenyatta Collins
    married Marsha
  - Courtney Boyd Collins
Hilton Collins “Tane” 1922 to 2001
married Hazel Carter; Donna
- Milton Collins 1946 to 1979
  - Liesa N. Collins
    married Perry McGhee; Jevon Ashley
    - Britnei L. McGhee
    - Nya Ashley
  - Toniya Irene Collins
- Evelyn L. Collins “El”
  - Monique L. Lee “Nicki”
    - Somiyah A. Lee
  - Kelly M. Mason
    - Dana M. Flenoid
      - Niko
    - Carl Mims Jr. “C J”
  - Hasani R. Hilton Collins
- John Anthony Collins “Tony”
  - Jessica Collins
  - John Anthony Collins Jr.
- Helena Jean Collins “Nennie”
  - Michael
- Janet Lynn Collins “Jan”
- Hilton George Collins “Georgie”
- Patricia Ann Collins “Patty”
- Angela Collins
  - Shannon
- Anita Collins
Hillary Collins 1922 to 2010
married Mamie Stewart d. 1993; Velma Peyton
- Hillary Collins III
- Murray Collins
  - Daniel Collins
- Henry Collins
- Aaron Collins
- Ricky Collins
- Bill Collins 1961 to 2014
- Ernestine Collins
- Anthony Collins “Tony”
- Gloria Collins
- Hillary Collins Wells Jr. “Hillary Wells & Junior” 1949 to 1991
  married Thelma
  - Henry Earl Wells
  - Curtis Lee Wells
Wayon Collins “Mook” 1925 to 1997
married Iona Knight 1925 to 2010; Mary Alice Holmes
- Gladys Collins
  married Toby J. Thornton 1939 to 2004; Street
  - Dwayne Thornton
    - LaToya Thornton
    - Renata Shaneese Thornton
  - Toby Thornton III
  - Patrick Thornton
  - Kevin Thornton
  - Nicole Street “Nikki”
- Wayon Collins Jr. “W.C.”
  married Vivian; Paulette
  - Renee Collins
  - Wayon Collins III
  - Paris Collins
  - Brida Collins
  - Brandon Collins
  - Tayon Collins
  - Wayon Collins V
  - Myleson Collins
  - Wynton Collins
- Marcella Collins
  married Joel Montgomery; Ollie Thomas Jr.; Sevier
  - Nelvia Ann Collins “Mimi” 1963 to 2004
    - Cordell
    - Courtney
    - Corvun
    - Cori
    - Britni
    - Samir
    - Summer
    - Reyna
  - Eric Thomas “Ric” 1969 to 2008
    married Bonita
    - Eric Thomas Jr.
    - Jeremy Seaton Thomas
  - Darneen Thomas
  - Vincent Thomas
  - Ollie Thomas III
  - Joi Tiara Sevier
  - Vincent Sevier
- Velmon Collins
  - Carla Collins
  - Marlon Collins
- Wilbert Collins deceased, years to come
  married Earnestine Lindsey
  - Delisa Collins
    married James Tolbert
    - Jasmyne Tolbert
    - Xavier Tolbert
    - Joshua Tolbert
  - Shimeka Collins
- Betty Collins “Cookie”
  married Pertis Harrell
  - Patrice Harrell
  - Martello Harrell
- Jessie James Collins 1955 to 1985
- Aszeleana Collins
  - Kimberly
  - Shannon
- Darnell Collins
  - Lakevin Collins
  - Shireka Collins
  - Daniell Collins
  - Darnell Collins Jr.
  - Demetra Collins
- Ophelia Holmes 1954 to 2026
Herbert Collins 1927 to 2010
married Lillian Ellis; Vernice
- Marvin Collins
  - Brian Collins
- Robert Lee Collins
- Debra Collins
  - Zedrick
  - Catrice
  - Arkea
- Carol Collins
  - Eureka
  - Lance
- Alvin Collins
  - Takeisha Collins
  - Alvin Anthony Collins
- Cheryl Collins
- Felton Collins
  - Nyesha Collins
- Dewannah Collins
  - Steven
- Kevin Collins d. 2006
- Laverne Collins
- Herbert Collins Jr.
  married Laura
  - Tonya Collins
  - Darryl Collins
  - Sean Collins
  - Stacey Collins
  - Yvette Collins
  - Asia Collins
Dorothy Atlantis Collins
married OD King; Willie Louis Martin
- Brian Louis Martin
  married Tanya L. Mosley
  - Toni L. Coleman
    - Saiira
  - Teri L. Mosley
  - Ty Louis Martin
  - Troy Lee Martin 2008 to 2008
  - Bria

Coleman and Missouri’s other children

James CollinsNo descendants listed

No descendants recorded in the 2016 report.

Henry Collins44 descendants listed

married Dora Foreman

Carrie Collins 1899 to 1986
- Robert Hackett III “Bob”
Buelah Collins 1901 to 1991
Phillip Collins Sr. “Badness”
- Phillip Collins Jr.
  married Ella Lee Sanders
  - Kenneth Ray Collins “Mookie” 1964 to 2013
    married Alicia
    - Adrian Collins
    - Kenneth Collins
    - Tiffany Collins
Lettie Collins
Wylie Collins “Little Buddy” 1910 to 2000
married Rosie Lee “Nudsie” 1914 to 1994
- Wylie Collins Jr “Laddie Boy” 1932 to 1981
- Enola Collins “Nola”
- I.W. Collins “Tatter & Dub”
- Denotra Collins “Shorty”
- Robert Collins “Rob” 1940 to 2005
- Lessie Collins “Les”
- Henry Collins “Jody”
- Gloria Jean Collins
- Larry Collins
- Charles Collins
- Michael Collins
- Donna Collins
Lou Collins
married Joe White Sr
- R.C. White
- Joe White Jr.
Eliza Collins “Liza” 1918 to 2014
- Hattie Mae
- Eugene 1937 to 2006
Charlie Collins
married Vera
- Linda Collins
- Larry Collins
- Loretta Collins
- Lionel Collins
- Charlie Collins
- Charles Collins Jr
- Albert Collins
- Bobbie Jean Collins
- James Collins
Henry Collins Jr “Doozie” 1905 to 1988
- Inez Collins 1936 to 1994
- Cleotha Collins
- Elsie Collins
- Eva Collins

Alice Collins 1881 to 191830 descendants listed

married Isiah Green 1880 to 1916

Cora Green 1902 to 1974
married Mat Jackson “Taylor” 1879 to 1972
- Collins Jackson
  married Mennie Ether Sledge
  - Deborah Jean Jackson
  - Tennye Rochelle Jackson
  - Gregory Len Jackson
    married Paula Johnson
    - Mason Duane Jackson
    - Alicia Tennye Jackson
  - Collins Milan Jackson
    married Dianna Williams
    - Simone Rochelle Jackson
    - Lauren Dianna Jackson
- Walter Barnett Jackson
  married Maceil Holmes
  - Angela Jackson
    married Freddy Towler
- Clarence Sylvester Jackson 1925 to 2000
  married Annie Lee Taylor
  - Clarence Sylvester Jackson Jr.
- Mack Jackson
  married Sarah Hamlet
  - Sandra Jackson
  - Michael Jackson
  - Sharon Jackson
  - Marvin Jackson
- Joe Jackson
- Bonnie Jackson
  married Oscar Walker
  - Curtis Walker
  - Alvin Walker
- O'Dean Jackson
  married George Bailey
  - Tyra Yvette Bailey
  - Jacque Kristopher Bailey
Augusta Green d. 1956
YT Green
Lillie Bell Green 1913 to 1998
married Johnnie Walker 1905 to 1983
Buddy Green

Mose Collins 1883 to 19615 descendants listed

Minnie Collins 1904 to 1980
Changey Collins
Bunchie Collins
Rosie Collins
Catherine Collins

Gertrude CollinsNo descendants listed

No descendants recorded in the 2016 report.

Coleman Collins6 descendants listed

Bettsie Collins
Vernon Lee Collins
Consuenla Collins
Frazier Collins
Reather Collins
Inola Collins

Rosie Collins “Sang”5 descendants listed

Wilella
Charlie
J.C.
Tommie Lee
Eddie

Joeseph Collins 1894 to 1976No descendants listed

No descendants recorded in the 2016 report.

Adolphus Collins “Dolphord” 1894 to 19654 descendants listed

Jessie Mae Collins 1918 to 1989
married Berrie Riley; Mack Mallett
- Sylvia Riley
- Christine Riley
- Willie Riley

Wess Neal 1898 to 19637 descendants listed

Ozzie Neal
Leona Neal
Dorenda Neal
Wess Neal
C. L. Shaffer
Oscar Neal “Peter”
Dora D. Neal

Jimmy Collins2 descendants listed

Mary Alice Collins
Monet Scott “Scotty” d. 1994
married Laura Thompson “Doddie” 1916 to 1997

Arthur Collins “Child” 1911 to 196912 descendants listed

married Susie 1913 to 1973; Consenel

Eula Mae Collins
Lettie Collins “Bob” 1931 to 2003
Bealuah Collins
Florene Collins “Sister” 1936 to 1982
Ethel Collins “Bro Child”
Arthur Collins Jr. 1938 to 1971
Gladys Collins
Mary Louise Collins
Larry Collins
Clavin Collins
Mary Alice Collins
Walter Collins

Family nicknames

Family nicknames, with the given name underneath. There are two Bobs, two Tonys, and a Mook and a Mookie two generations apart in different branches. Tell me yours and who gave it to you on the Memories page.

MookWayon Collins
Little BuddyWylie Collins
NudsieRosie Lee Collins
Laddie BoyWylie Collins Jr.
Tatter and DubI.W. Collins
ShortyDenotra Collins
DoozieHenry Collins Jr.
BadnessPhillip Collins Sr.
CealLucille Collins
MissieWillie Collins
TaneHilton Collins
DickWayon Powell
SangRosie Collins
ChildArthur Collins
Bro ChildEthel Collins
SisterFlorene Collins
BobLettie Collins
BobRobert Hackett III
FredGeorge Collins Jr.
DolphordAdolphus Collins
DoddieLaura Thompson
ScottyMonet Scott
PeterOscar Neal
TaylorMat Jackson
MookieKenneth Ray Collins
NolaEnola Collins
RobRobert Collins
LesLessie Collins
JodyHenry Collins
LizaEliza Collins
ElEvelyn Collins
NennieHelena Jean Collins
GeorgieHilton George Collins
JanJanet Lynn Collins
PattyPatricia Ann Collins
TonyJohn Anthony Collins
TonyAnthony Collins
JuniorHillary Collins Wells Jr.
W.C.Wayon Collins Jr.
CookieBetty Collins
MimiNelvia Ann Collins
RicEric Thomas
NikkiNicole Street
NickiMonique Lee
C JCarl Mims Jr.
ReesieTiresia Powell
RomePreston Powell
T or MoTeosha Powell
FreddieEddie Murphy
TinaChristina Kligel
ToriVictoria Kligel
TeacupPatsy Tennon