Shirley Mae West Collins

“When peace, like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll; whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say, it is well with my soul” Shirley Mae West Collins, 91 of New Orleans, LA, passed away peacefully from this life on Monday, March 31, 2025, at home surrounded by her loving family. Shirley was born on September 14, 1933, in New Orleans, LA to parents Robert and Millie (Clayton) West Sr. Blessed with 91 years of life, Shirley was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend to many. She was known for her kindness and generosity and always giving a crisp $2.00 bill for special occasions! Hers was a life lived to its fullest and every moment cherished and enjoyed. She was a genuine soul, who always spoke her mind. And her family was indeed her joy! She is survived by her children: Gail M. Collins, Sharleen S. Collins, Barbara C. (Terrance) Howard and Kareem A. Collins; Her grandchildren: Kenya (Edwin) Daniels, Keitra Boutan, Sheldon Howard, John Muwwakki, Amina Muwwakki, Amira Roth, Paige Howard (Dwight) Wells, Michael Collins; (17) great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents: Robert and Millie West Sr.; Her siblings: Ceola, Joseph, George, Robert Jr. Daniel West; one daughter: Cassandra D. Collins, Charles Collins, Lawrence Williams, and her two grandsons, Gregory Franklin and Avonn Boutan. She worked for Catholic Charities Foster Grandparent Program for over 25 years where many of those years were spent at St. Mary of the Angles Catholic School. Family and friends, pastors, officers and members of Gr. St. Stephen F.G., also employees of Home Bank, Catholic Charities, Veterans Administration Hospital, U.S. Army, St. John Berchman Manor and City of New Orleans Code Enforcement are invited to attend the Funeral Service for Shirley Collins at Beulah Baptist Church, 2921 Fourth Street, New Orleans, LA 70113 on Saturday, April 19, 2025 at 10:00 am with Pastor Willie D. Bradford Jr. officiating. Visitation begins at 9:00 am. Interment: Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Arrangements by D.W. Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Avenue. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guestbook.