Charlene Collins

“God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.” This prayer accompanied Charlene Collins throughout the days of her life. She was the epitome of motherhood. Not only did she raise three girls, but she also helped to raise three of her nephews and her oldest granddaughter. Many outside of the family also sought her out for motherly advice. And she didn’t hesitate to give it. Born on Aug. 10, 1938, in Monroe, LA, Charlene was the youngest of Arlice and Archie Cann’s seven children. Charlene was only 11 when her mother passed away following a long illness. With her father working in Detroit, MI, Charlene was left in the care of her oldest sister, Ella V. Charlene graduated from Carroll High School in 1956 and joined her father in Detroit that fall. One day, her father ran into a young man from Monroe who knew Charlene in high school and invited him to stop by the house. When Charlene opened the front door wearing knee-length shorts and pigtails, the young man knew she would one day become his wife. He was right! McKenley and Charlene were married on June 24, 1961, and celebrated their 63rd anniversary in 2024. In the mid-1970s, the couple decided to move with their three girls back to Louisiana, choosing New Orleans over Monroe. After working as a homemaker for 20 years, Charlene began booking and hosting birthday parties at McDonald’s in the 1980s. When the party-planning position was phased out, she moved to the front counter. The customers, who knew her as “Miss Charlene,” adored her. They would bypass immediate service and wait in line just so she could take their orders. Charlene didn’t just serve her customers, she took time to get to know them. She did not always remember their names, but she knew who they were, how many children they had and their medical history. She worked at McDonald’s for 18 years before retiring in 2002. Following her retirement, Charlene wanted to discover her gifts. If being a dedicated wife, loving mother, doting grandmother, accessible aunt, devoted friend, conscientious worker and child of God are gifts, then she had plenty. Having accepted Jesus Christ as her savior at a young age, Charlene was baptized in an outdoor pool at Macedonia Baptist Church in Monroe. In 1992, she joined Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, under the leadership of Senior Pastor Fred Luter Jr. She was a faithful member of the Adult Inspirational, Women’s and Mass choirs. Charlene passed away peacefully at her home on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2025. She was the beloved wife of McKenley Collins; mother of Tammy C. Barney, Lori (Frank) Collins Jones, Tracey (August III) Collins-Favaroth; grandmother of Charlise Carter, Darius and Nyla Favaroth; great-grandmother of Samera Hubbard; sister of Charles D. Cann Sr.; and best friend of Eunice Conley Willis. She also is survived by a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Arlice Cann Sr.; son-in-law, Keith G. Barney; sisters, Ella V. Mahone, Frances Besant, Ollie Bailey; and brothers, Archie Cann Jr. and Otis Cann. Enjoy your eternal rest and peace, Charlene. You will always be in our hearts. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend her funeral service at 10:00 AM on Friday, March 7, 2025 at Rock of Ages Baptist Church, 2515 Franklin Ave. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM. Interment: Southeast Louisiana Veterans Cemetery, Slidell, LA. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign online guest book.

Charlene Collins

February 18, 2025