Marie Collins was born  on February 12, 1962 to the union of Wesley Ware Sr. and Verline Ware, both of whom preceded her in death. Three grandchildren, Kenyartte Griffin, Jr., Kemontez Griffin and Dalyn Sawyer and one brother, Edward Lee Ware also preceded her in death. Marie was raised in Venice/Madison, IL and received her formal education through Madison School District.

Marie Collins was united in holy matrimony to Elder Willis N. Collins on January 3, 1987 and to this union four children were born. She was employed with Stearns Nursing and Rehabilitation Center until she fell disabled.

Marie played a big part in a lot of people's lives. She had a heart of gold and a smile that will light up a room. She would help anyone she came across even if it was her last. She loved to cook. But most of all her biggest role was being a mother.

Marie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior in 1986 and was filled with the Holy Ghost under the leadership of Bishop Willie L. Mosby at Gethsemane Church of the Living God and continued to serve under Pastor Keith D. Mosby, Sr. until she was called home.

Marie leaves to cherish her memory four daughters, Maria (Deangelo) Ware, Madison, IL, Verlene Collins, Madison, IL, Narice (Don) Ware, Madison, IL and Delonda Sawyer, Granite City, IL; one son, Quincy Ware, Belleville, IL; six grandchildren, Donasia, Kemorian, Ra'Kayle, Jayden, Donovan, and Quincy Jr; one sister Catherine Gibson, Madison, IL; two brothers, Wesley Ware Jr., Madison, IL and Fredrick Ware, Madison, IL; a son and daughter she raised on her own, Deondre Ware, Valdosta, GA and Ebony Redd, Madison, IL; three brothers-in-law, Anthony (Denise) Collins, Zorobabel (Renee) Collins and Sylvester (Sonja) Collins; eight sisters-in-law, Regina Ware, Teresa Collins, Janet Mosby, Verna (Elma) Collins, Towallerlen (Zenotha) Gardner, Forlisead Collins, Charice (Gregory) Gardner and Towanda Marchbanks, and a host of nieces nephews, cousins, and friends who will miss her dearly.