Bennie (Wallace) Collins

Bennie Wallace Collins our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend died on April 14, 2025. She was born on February 24, 1936, in Carriere, Mississippi, the daughter of the late Marvin and Valerie Wallace.

Prior to retirement, Bennie spent decades working in the accounting industry with Earl Bailey. Outside of work, Bennie found joy and camaraderie in bowling. For many years she competed as part of a team with her friends. She loved gardening, traveling (especially her weekend girl trips), her Bible Study Group and was an avid reader. She loved watching the Saints, especially her boy, as she called him, Taysom Hill. Bennie also enjoyed competing in the annual family bake-off with her grandchildren, creating sweet memories that will be cherished forever. She never met a stranger, made friends everywhere she went and was truly blessed to have very long-time close friendships with a couple of special ladies, Rosie and Betty. Of all her accomplishments, her greatest joy came from her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Her love was unwavering, and she was a pillar of strength. She gave us so many wonderful memories through the years some which were so comical that her grandkids always said they were going to compile a book of “mawmawisms”.

Bennie is survived by her children, Leslye Blanchard and Robert Collins, Sr.(Anne), her daughter-in-law, Judy Collins; eleven grandchildren: Shantelle Prihoda(Matt), Ashley Muras (Mark), Blake Collins (Casey), Adam Blanchard (Alicia), Amy Cunningham (Jason), Brandon Blanchard, Justin Blanchard, Robert Collins II (Jennifer), Sarah Nickel (Hans), Charlie Collins (Stephanie), and Jason Collins (Megan), and a sister, Rhonda Block (Gary).

She also leaves behind a beautiful legacy of great-grandchildren: B.J.(Kylie), Nick, Isaac, Chase, Cade, Paityn, Conner, Avarie, Skyler, Abigail, Allie, Ava, Robbie III, Ella, Madison, Ehli, Jonathan, Daniel, Sydney, and Lexi.

Bennie was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harold J. Collins, Jr.; her sons, LCDR Harold J. Collins III and Bryan Collins and his wife Tonya; her son-in-law, Mert Blanchard; her parents, Marvin and Valerie Wallace; and her sister, Patricia Bouyelas and her husband Frank.

Private services will be held at a later date in Carriere, Mississippi, where Bennie will be laid to rest with her husband, Harold.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Trena Davis and also the administration and staff of The Claiborne at Thibodaux for the loving care, compassion, and dignity they gave to Bennie in her final years. Your kindness will never be forgotten.

Relatives and friends are invited to share their condolences and memories of Bennie with the family by visiting her memorial at www.hargravefuneralhome.com

Hargrave Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.