Velma Evanna Collier

The Obituary

Velma Collier was born March 20, 1936, in Cheraw, South Carolina.  She was the eldest child and daughter born to the late Dora Jackson and Reverend Julius Blakeney.  Velma spent her early years receiving her education in the Cheraw school system.  She accepted Christ in her life at an early age and remained a diligent student of the Bible.  

Velma moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1954, where she met her husband, the late Alvin Peterson Collier.  They were married in 1957 at Thankful Baptist Church.  From that loving union three children were born: Michael, Linda and Eric.  Velma took great pride in her role as both a devoted wife and mother. 

Velma joined the Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church in Philadelphia, where she remained a faithful member until she moved to Phoenix, Arizona where the climate was much better for her health.  She truly loved Arizona and all its beauty.  She often reflected on the gorgeous mountains and blue skies.  She really enjoyed her time there.  

A marvelous person – inside and out – Velma will be missed by so many.  She was truly a beacon of light who was full of energy, thoughtful and considerate.   Her favorite encouraging phrase was “Don’t Give Up”.  She said it often to many, and she meant it.  Her life was a testimony to that.  She often had an inspirational word or a listening ear for anyone who came in her path.  Her children think she was the “Best Mom Ever”.  It’s difficult to convey in words how much she meant to her family – always smiling, all the way until the end.  

On Thursday, March 24, 2022, Velma received her wings.  She put up a good fight, but her body was tired, and she was ready when God called her Home.  It was time for her beautiful soul to rest.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin P. Collier; siblings, Steven Blakeney of Philadelphia, PA, William Blakney of Philadelphia, PA, and Eula Streater of Durham, NC.  She leaves a legacy of love and cherished memories to: her children: Michael (Tonja), Linda, and Eric (Donna); grandchildren, Pajuan, Chelsea, Abdul (Carolyn) and Erica; great-grandchildren, Pajuan Jr., K-Ci, Jojo (Michael’s grandchildren), Mikaila (Victor), Rosa, Alyssa (Linda’s grandchildren); and, Elijah, Ciani and Jada (Eric’s grandchildren); three sisters-in-law: Joan Blakney and Mertina Collier of Philadelphia, PA, and Dorothy Collier of Jacksonville, Fl; a longtime friend Watson of Cheraw, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other loving relatives and friends.  

Submitted With Love, the Family  

Carnell

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Velma Evanna Collier, please visit our floral store.