Alvin Collins

Today, we gather to honor the remarkable life of Alvin Collins, affectionately known as “Gallo” to many close friends. Alvin was born on January 31, 1940, to the union of the late Oscar Collins and Louise Taylor Collins in New Orleans, LA. He was baptized at an early age at Little Zion Baptist Church. Alvin grew up as the seventh of nine siblings. Alvin’s educational journey led him to Paul L Dunbar Elementary School, Alfred Priestley Junior High School, and Walter L. Cohen High School, where he graduated in 1957. He continued his studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA. He worked at Owen Illinois Glass Company as a Quality Control Supervisor for 20+ years of service. He later transferred to Lakeland, FL as a Team Supervisor for an additional two years before he retired. After his retirement from Owens Illinois Glass Company, he returned to New Orleans, LA to pursue his entrepreneurial passion for landscaping. Alvin met the love of his life, Julia Faye Bissant Collins. They courted for six years prior to marriage on January 9, 1965. They exchanged vows marking the beginning of a lifelong journey together. Fatherhood brought Alvin immense joy as he welcomed his son, Derrick Vincent Collins, and later a daughter, Lisa Ann Collins. Alvin enjoyed life to the fullest with an extremely kind and humble spirit. He was always devoted to his wife, children, in-laws, and cherished friend. By the Almighty Hand of God on April 19, 2024 at University Medical Center, the Angel of Mercy was dispatched to Alvin’s bedside with instruction to release him of his pain and suffering. He is preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Louise Collins; two brothers, Joseph Collins Sr., and Henderson Taylor Sr., and four sisters, Jessie Mae Collins Lumpkins, Georgiana Collins Ross, Augustine Wicks, and Yvonne Collins Thomas. Alvin leaves cherished memories of his wife, Julia Faye Collins, a son Derrick Vincent Collins of Sugarland, TX and a daughter, Lisa Ann Collins ofHouston, TX; two brothers, Herbert (Barbara) Collins Sr. of Baton Rouge, LA , and Edgar (Jean) Collins of Avondale, LA; a sister, Wilhelmena Collins Richardson of Dallas, TX; three sisters-in-laws, Marguerite Taylor of Edgard, LAEvelyn Collins of New Orleans, LA and Barbara Bissant Steward of Houston, TX; brother-in-law, Robert Norman Bissant Jr.; three wonderful grandchildren, Chloe, Tyler, and Kylie Collins, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends. Alvin will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. He will be most remembered for the love of his family……. Relatives and friends of the family, priest and parishioners of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6828 Chef Menteur Hwy. on Saturday, May 4, 2024 at 10:00 am. Visitation will begin at 9:00 am. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. Arrangement by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.