Biography:
On this date, October 23, 1924, Lawrence James Collins was born to Lottie Jones and James Collins in North Hampton County, Virginia. He was the second child of four children, an older brother Robert, sister Alice and younger brother Theodore, all of whom preceded him in death (as well as his nephew Andre).
 
Lawrence was a veteran of the United States Army. He served in the rank of Corporal during World War II. After his service in the military ended, he left him hometown and moved to New York City with hopes of a better life. In his quest, he attended Manhattan Technical Institute, receiving a Technician Certificate in Radio and Television. After a few years of living the single life, he met the love of his life, Miss Ella Mae Davis.
 
After many years of working for Local #232, he enjoyed retired life with his wife, traveling to California, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Virginia;visiting with family and friends until his beloved of nearly sixty years was called to be with the Lord.
 
He enjoyed fishing, hunting and carpentry. If it was broken, he could fix it; if you didn’t have it, he could build it. He had a quick wit with a good sense of humor. He was a jokester who really liked playing tricks on his siblings.
 
Lawrence will be remembered for his love of spending time with family and friends, listening to jazz, wearing his dapper attire and driving his fancy, new cars.
 
In his later years, he enjoyed sitting outside with his buddies, people watching in his Harlem neighborhood and was a father figure and role model to many young people who reached out to him for guidance.
 
He made his transition on January 18, 2020. He leaves to cherish his memory: nieces: Antoinette Esannason of Bronx, New York, Brian Esannason (Courtney), Angel Satchell-Mathews (Claude) of Vallejo,California, Janae, Michael. Robin Best of Arizona, Damien, Omega, LaShelda; nephews: Warren Collins also known as Pistol (Michele) North Brunswick, new Jersey, Ieisha, Brandon Satchell of Bronx, New York; goddaughter, Gail Huggins (Stephen) of Stroudsburg, Pennsylvania; Stephen Jr. (Tammy), Derrick, Malcolm (Heather); sister-in-law, Bettie Collins of New York, New York; great-nieces and nephews; great-great-nieces and nephews; relatives, and friends; lastly his beloved cat, My Girl.