Rev. Dr. Alphonso Collins

Reverend Dr. Alphonso Collins, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Dr. Collins was born on Monday, August 8, 1949 in Manhattan, New York to the late Novella Collins. He left New York at the age of two and moved to Augusta, Georgia. At the age of six, he moved from Augusta, Georgia to live with his grandmother in Onancock, Virginia on the Eastern Shore. At the age of eight, he moved to Richmond, Virginia, where he completed his early education.  He graduated from Highland Springs High School, located in Henrico County, VA, in 1969.

Dr. Collins was an extremely sociable man. He approached life with a determination to continually move ahead, seek out opportunities, and journey. He is widely recognized as a coach, educator, mentor, lifelong learner, preacher, Sunday School instructor, community leader, and numerous other roles. His most cherished treasure was his family. He was recognized as a provider, a man of strong faith, a husband, a father, and a grandfather. Dr. Collins never knew a stranger and he could hold a conversation while making anyone smile.  He was deliberate in his interactions with others and he intentionally sought to influence everyone he encountered in a loving manner.

Dr. Collins' individual achievements encompassed his decision to make Christ his choice. On December 7, 1975, he received baptism in the name of Jesus at the Refuge Church of our Lord Jesus Christ located in Sandston, VA. He was subsequently ordained as an Elder in the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ. He has played an active role at the Greater Refuge Church Ministries led by Apostle Samuel Peters, as well as the Greater Anointing Church under Apostle James Clark, Jr. and Assistant Pastor Raymond Overby, serving on the ministry team at all three worship locations. He was ultimately a member of the Second Baptist Church in Richmond, VA, where he worked on the ministerial staff under Pastor Ralph S. Hodge's leadership.

Dr. Collins had retired from numerous occupations. His past employment included City of Richmond Police Officer (1973-1998), Richmond Public School Security Officer (1998-2001), and Henrico County pupil transportation (2001-2011). Everyone he worked with could share stories of how he encouraged and influenced them in many ways. 

We must highlight Dr. Collins’ service of over 20 years in the United States Marine Corps.  He is a Vietnam Veteran and retired from his military career at the rank of Master Sergeant. During his time in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Unit, he organized a basketball team to help others build healthy activities during their free time, which also led to them having productive relationships.

Dr. Collins earned a Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies from William L. Bonner College, in Columbia, South Carolina.  He completed this four year program in three and a half years and was named the valedictorian of his graduating class.  He earned double Masters; the Master of Divinity Degree and the Masters of Arts in Christian Education from the Samuel DeWitt Proctor School of Theology at Virginia Union University in Richmond, Virginia. His most recent education accomplishment included him earning the Doctoral of Ministry Degree at Virginia University of  Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

As we celebrate Dr. Collins’ contributions to his community and society, we can highlight the following key achievements:

Established the Henrico Pacers Track Club  (1985)

Hosted his first track meet at Highland Springs High School (1986)

Served as the  State of VA AAU Track and Field Youth Chairman  (1990)

Served as Highland Springs High School Girls Cross Country Head Coach (1992)

Initiated a 7 A.M. Morning Prayer Service at George Wythe High School (1998)

Served as a volunteer Basketball Coach & Spiritual Advisor for St. Paul's Church (2008)

Dr. Alphonso Collins married the love of his life in holy matrimony, the late Rosa Mae Collins on August 11, 1973. They were married for forty years when the Lord called her home on May 6, 2013. 

He was preceded in death by his step-father and mother, the late Mr. John W. Luke Sr. & Mrs. Novella Collins-Luke; his wife Rosa Mae Collins; his son Alphonso Collins, Jr.; two of his brothers Cecil M. Collins; Bernard Collins; his loving parent-in-laws the late Mr. Arthur P. Jackson, Sr. and Mrs. Nellie M. Jackson. His brother-in-laws, Joseph Timberlake Sr. and Tommie Jackson.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his loving children LaTanya Alisha Collins and LaTasha Charmaine Collins, his devoted grandson Christopher Alphonso Collins (Chris); his siblings John Luke, Jr. and Onzie (Cookie) Luke. His brothers and sister-in-laws; Arthur Jackson, Jr. (Sugarman), Henry Watson, Isaac Jackson (Ike), and Evelyn Bryant (Patsy). A host of nieces and nephews alongside family and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1 - 7 p.m. on Wednesday, November 13, 2024 at Wilson & Associates' Funeral Service - East Chapel, 5008 Nine Mile Rd., Richmond, VA.

A funeral service will be held 12 noon Thursday, November 14, 2024 at Second Baptist Church, 3300 Broad Rock Rd., Richmond, VA, with Pastor Ralph Hodge, officiating.

Interment, with military honors, will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery, Richmond, VA.