Ms. Clara Rene Collins

Clara Rene Collins was born on September 14, 1940, to the union of Arthur E. Greenlea and Jessie Mae (Hayes) Greenlea in Columbiana, Alabama. She received her formal education at Shelby County Training School in Columbiana. In high school, Clara was very popular, played on the basketball team, was 12th Grade Queen, member of the student body (council), and valedictorian of her graduating class. She furthered her education at Wenonah State Vocational Trade School in Bessemer, Alabama where she entered the Licensed Practical Nursing Program. She graduated from this program in 1959. On July 6, 1960, Clara Rene Greenlea married Willie Collins, and they moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their union was blessed with two children: Sylvia and Kenneth. Clara was baptized and accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age. She attended St. James A.M.E.., Church. I in Columbiana, Alabama. After marriage and moving to Milwaukee, she became a member of Siloah Ev. Lutheran Church in 1971. For over 50 years, Clara was a faithful member of Siloah. Her church service included being a Sunday School teacher and assisting with the Altar Guild. Ms. Clara's professional career spanned over 40 years. She was a devoted and well-respected "night nurse". She enjoyed working the night shift where she provided excellent care to her patients with her kind and gentle spirit. Clara was employed by several hospitals in the Milwaukee community. She later retired from St. Mary's Hospital (now Ascension Columbia St. Mary's-Milwaukee Campus) after 29 years of service. Clara was a member of the Milwaukee Chapter of the Black Nurses Association, Inc. for many years. In her leisure, she enjoyed regularly going to Washington Park Senior Center to exercise and socialize with her friends "at the center". Clara enjoyed playing Bingo (and winning). Dominos, jewelry shopping, and going out to eat, and her flowers. She loved word search puzzles and there was always a "puule book" in her purse. She also took pleasure in traveling to different cities, attending health fairs, conferences, and women's retreats. Most of all, Clara loved her family and her role as proud grandmother. Clara Rene Collins departed this life on May 26, 2026. She was preceded in death by her: parents, Arthur Edward and Jessie Mae Greenlea; husband, Willie Collins; sister, Mable Inez Ramsey; brother, Arthur Houston Greenlea; aunts, Abbie Schultz, Mable Nalls, and Ethelene Rodgers; uncle, Reuben C. Greenlea; and beloved grandson, Aaron Eugene Dombrowski. She leaves to cherish her memory: daughter, Sylvia Laynette Forbes; son, Kenneth De Wayne (Jane Galien) Collins; grandson, Kacey Kenneth Whittaker Collins; sister, Ethelene Milton; nephew, Norman Ramsey Jr.; nieces, Latricia Greenlea, Regina Milton, and Catherine (Damon) McKalpain; cousin, Clarence (Eloise) Schultz; sisters-in-law, Onnie Brown, Bernice Milton, and Geraldine (Muhammed) Haleem; brother-in-law, Pressley Collins; many dear friends and a host of nieces, nephews, and relatives encompassing both the Greenlea and Collins families.

Ms. Clara Rene Collins

September 14, 1940 - May 26, 2026