Mrs. Pauline McCollum

Pauline McCollum As my Mama would say: "I was born to the late William and Wilhelmenia Lowe on August 26, 1932 in Jackson, Mississippi. I traded my earthy stilettoes on May 29, 2016. I have my pearly stilettoes and heavenly wings, for my new home paved in gold. I shared my upbringing with my two sisters Earlene and Ernestine; we all went to the Jackson School System. Well Ernestine went to college and became a teacher in Chicago. Earlene became a self-taught seamstress and later moved to Milwaukee. I followed Earlene to Milwaukee where I met and married the love of my life, Billy Joe McCollum. We raised our daughter Valdemetreia (Dee) and two sons Tony and Billy as a close family. I was united with Greater Galilee Baptist Church and also Cross Lutheran Church. I worked at Briggs and Stratton and Strattec for twenty-seven years, until I retired in 1997. I have fond memories of the good old times when my husband and I would go to social affairs, dressed to impress and dance the night away. We traveled extensively and I always had a great time on the cruises. Later on in life, I enjoyed the annual trips to Las Vegas with my daughter. I loved dressing my kids for the holidays and cooking big meals. I will always remember, Tony and Billy did well and stayed pretty clean in their white outfits. But by the time our affairs would begin Dee would not onIy have pulled the ruffles off her dress, it would not be white any more. I learned quickly not to show her the dress and would not even dress her until we were ready to walk out the door. I taught myself to crochet and was well known throughout the community for my beautiful baby sweaters, matching hats,, booties and blankets. My grandkids served as my walking models for my work. I loved to crochet and made many baby sweater sets for family and friends. When i look back at my years, I had a good life. I the last couple months, I shared with my daughter Dee that I wanted everyone to know the following: Tony, my first born... you know what I expect of youand stay on that path. Dee promised me she'd continue to be right there for you and she has. Now you can make breakfast for you, Dee and give Jasmine all my sausage! Billy, my baby boy... keep pushing forward, keep being the family prayer leader and stay close to your sister and brother. My precious grandchildren ... Karega, Krasean, Billy, Stephanie, and Rayonna; I will always remember being the doting granny and life's milestones whether it was birthdays, holidays or graduations, granny is proud of you! As adultsyou all stay close and keep up the family tradition of supporting each other. To my great grandchildren ... Paul, Kameron, Carmen, Karega and Billy remember granny loves you and I will always be watching over you. Dee my only daughter ... I don't know what I would have done without you! Baby from cooking, caring for me, bathing me, taking me not only to doctor appointments, but shopping, plays, eating out and our girls night ou, you did it. You said I'd never find out what my life would be my life would be like without you and you held true to that so hold your head up. I'm not worried about Our Family, cause you bossed me; so I know you will be there for them. You see I'm home with my Mama & Daddy, my Husband Bill has been waiting for me and; my Sisters Earlene Fuller and Ernestine Townes will bring the three divas back together in heaven. I leave my sons, Thomas (Yvette) Lowe, Billy (Crystal) McCollum and My only daughter Valdemetreia (Dee) McCollum.. My grandsons Karega (Alexis) McCollum Sr., of Las Vegas, Nevada, Sgt. Krasean Clayborn of Ft. Campbell, Tennessee, Billy (Himal) McCollum of Dallas, Texas and granddaughters Stephanie Torrence-Lowe, Rayonna McCollum My great grandchildren, Paul, Kameron, Carmen, Karega Jr, and Billy. Niece Terri (Darrius) Kelly of Chicago, Illinois, nephews David Townes and Douglas (Joann) Hawthorne. Grand-nieces Marissa and Dionne, grand-nephew Jeremy. Great grandnieces Diondra, Dominique and Madyson, Great grandnephew Malcolm. My close friends Lucille Dunn, Arbedella Browning and Bernice Farrington. I leave behind, a host of additional family and close friends. My special support Adonis, Beth, Denise and Valencia ... thank you for the calls, the home cooked meals you prepared for me and most of all being there for Dee.

Mrs. Pauline McCollum

August 26, 1932 - May 28, 2016