Major Collins

Major Collins of Houston, Texas passed away the 2nd of April 2015, at the age of 98. Major was born is Fairfield, Texas, the 30th of August 1916. He grew up in Streetman Texas with his seven brothers and sisters. He was the last living member of his family.

Major moved to Houston to attend The University of Houston. He joined South Main Baptist Church the 15th of October 1939, and served as a deacon at South Main for over 25 years. Major met his wife of fifty years, Jean Owen Collins, at South Main. Major and Jean settled in Houston after some travel while he served in the Army during WWII. He started his restaurant career with One’s a Meal at Richmond and Main. In the late 40’s he opened his first restaurant in a bowling alley above what was then Holts Sporting Goods Store in down town Houston. In 1952 he opened Major’s Coffee Shop on West Alabama between Rice and Yorktown, in Lamar Terrace.

Major and Jean worked together to make Major’s a success and the local neighbor family gathering place for over 18 years. Jean served as bookkeeper, cashiered and held many infants so their parents could enjoy dinner. The coffee shop was well known for its home cooked meals, delicious pies, and Jean and Major’s welcoming personality. His loyal clientele followed him even after he sold Major’s and he continued baking pies for individuals long after retiring.

Major lost Jean to cancer in 1991, and married the second love of his life Blanche Niday Robinson of Houston in January 1997. Blanche and her late husband, John, were longtime customers and friends of the Collins family. Blanche’s love for Major and his entire family was a true blessing over their 18 year marriage. Major felt blessed by Blanche’s extended family who all welcomed him into each of their individual families.

Major was preceded in death by his eldest son, Robert (Bob) Collins and step son Johnny Robinson. He is survived by his wife, Blanche Collins of Houston, his son and daughter-in-law Peyton and Franny Collins of Houston, his daughter Carol Collins McBee of Tomball, his step daughter Judy Haire and her husband Dr. Rodney Haire of Dallas, six grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren, and two great great grandchildren. Major was affectional know as Gong-Gong by his grandchildren and extended family.

Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from five o’clock in the afternoon until seven o’clock in the evening on Tuesday, the 7th of April 2015, in the parlor of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston.

A memorial service is to be conducted at eleven o’clock in the morning on Wednesday, the 8th of April 2015, in the sanctuary of South Main Baptist Church, 4200 Main Street in Houston, where Dr. Steve Wells, Senior Pastor is to officiate. Immediately following all are invited to greet the family during a reception to be held in the fellowship hall.

At Clarewood House, a memorial service is to be conducted at half-past three o’clock in the afternoon on Wednesday, the 8th of April 2015, in the Chapel of Clarewood House, 7400 Clarewood Drive in Houston, where Chaplain Thomas Hill is to officiate.

Prior to the services, the family will have gathered for a private interment at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery in Houston.

Honored to serve as casket bearers are Cade McBee, Chad Collins, Austin Collins, Ronnie Felts, John David Robinson, Rocky Haire, Brian Rosenberg and Shannan Collins.

In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to South Main Baptist Church and First United Methodist First Choice Ministries both in Houston.