Marilyn (Johnson) Collins

On November 15, 2025, God called His beloved angel, Marilyn Ann Johnson Collins, home at the age of 78 in Westerville, Ohio.

Marilyn was born on July 16, 1947, in Memphis, Tennessee, the second of eight children to George and Gertha Johnson. At the age of four, her family relocated to Joliet, Illinois, where she grew up alongside her sisters. She attended Joliet public schools and proudly graduated as a member of the second class of Joliet West High School in 1966.

A woman of unwavering faith, Marilyn began her spiritual journey as a childhood member of St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under Pastor Willie Wright. In 1980, she became a devoted member of Faith Deliverance Center, serving faithfully under the late Bishop Kenneth Davis and Co-Pastor LaCharyl Davis.

In 1966, Marilyn welcomed her adorable son, Jeffrey Johnson. Two years later, she married Willie Collins, and together they were blessed with a daughter, Jemille (Collins) Jones, in 1975. In 1979, Marlyn relocated to Aurora, Illinois, where she began her career at Fermilab National Laboratory, working diligently until her retirement. In the early 1980s, she and her family were featured on ABC News in a segment highlighting veterans impacted by Agent Orange. During the mid-1980s, she also volunteered at Waubonsee Community College, helping adults learn to read.

Marilyn’s love of learning continued throughout her life. In the 1990s, she returned to school and earned an associate’s degree in mental health from Elgin Community College. She later worked part-time with Bethesda, supporting adults with disabilities. In 2019, she relocated to Westerville, Ohio, to be closer to her family, where she found joy in watching her grandchildren grow and celebrating their achievements.

Her life was a testament to compassion, grace, and resilience. Her warmth, generosity, and steadfast devotion to others left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was a beacon of love and strength, bringing comfort and joy to many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, George and Gertha Johnson; her sisters Georgia Penn-Parish, Delorse King, and Thelma Riley; her brother Kenneth Johnson; and her former husband, Willie Collins.

Marilyn is survived by her children, Jeffrey Johnson of Cincinnati and Jemille (Chris) Jones of Westerville; her grandchildren, Donovan Johnson of Cincinnati, Brenden Jones of Westerville, and her only granddaughter, Rian Jones of Westerville; and her great-grandsons, Ardyn and Ezra Johnson of Cincinnati. She also leaves behind her devoted sister Patricia Johnson of Joliet; brothers Milton Johnson of Joliet and Terry (Debbie) Johnson of Indiana; brothers-in-law Bobby Parish of Indiana and Willie Riley of Aurora; and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. Among them are her bonus granddaughter Danielle Johnson of Cincinnati, bonus daughter Dwana Meagher of Cincinnati, special friend Earl Chandler of Cincinnati, and bonus sister Eleleyna Washington of Lockport.

Marilyn’s spirit will continue to inspire and uplift those blessed to share in her life. Her legacy of love, faith, and resilience will live on in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

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