Betty Jean Collins

Betty Jean Collins, a beloved gospel singer, devoted mother, and pillar of the Cincinnati faith community, entered eternal rest on March 29, 2026, at the age of ninety.

Born on May 4, 1935, in Birmingham, AL, Betty Jean Collins was the       cherished daughter of the late Percy W. Marshall Sr. and late Gennie Mae Clay-Marshall. Raised in a close-knit family, seventh child of nine, who moved from Appalachia to Cincinnati’s West End in 1938 when Percy W. Marshall Sr., hired by General Motors. Betty grew up surrounded by strong family values, faith traditions, and a deep sense of responsibility to community through her membership in Revelation Missionary Baptist Church.

From the age of two, Betty Jean Collins demonstrated a profound gift for music. That gift would become the foundation of a lifelong ministry in gospel music. She rose to prominence within Cincinnati’s gospel community as a featured vocalist with Betty Collins and the King Sisters. An evangelist, her voice became known for its emotional depth, power voice, and spiritual authority. Her reputation extended beyond local churches through her involvement with Charles Fold Singers and the Gospel Music Workshop of America where she recognized nationally and internationally for her concert performances. Her influence extended far beyond the stage or the choir stand; it lived in the people she inspired, the lives she touched, and the spiritual foundation she helped build within her community.

Betty Jean Collins united in marriage to Rev. Robert Russell Collins in 1953, who became a respected pastor and the first Head of Plant Engineering at the U.S. Post Office in Cincinnati. Their union represented a powerful combination of ministry and music, rooted in service to the church, and the broader community. Together, they built a family grounded in faith, discipline, and purpose, which was evident in their lineage to this day.

She was a devoted mother to her children, Mitchell Keith Collins, and Kenneth M. Collins, and played a profound role in shaping the lives of her grandchildren and extended family. Her son, Mitchell Collins, who preceded her in death, carried forward the family’s Cincinnati roots and legacy, reflecting the strength and guidance instilled by both Betty and Rev. Collins. Through her family, Betty’s legacy continues across generations.

In addition to her singing prowess, Betty Jean, became a licensed nurse and graduated from Temple Bible College later in life. She was a member of the Deaconess Board, a proud first lady at Revelation and Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church and was well-known for offering solace to families dealing with loss at their homegoing celebrations. She was renowned for her fashion, her hats, and her style among her fans and friends in church circles. She was not only a member of the church community—she was a cornerstone of it and a champion of Christian faith everywhere she went.

Betty Jean Collins was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Robert Russell Collins, her beloved son, Mitchell Keith Collins, and most of her siblings and their spouses, Christine (Fred) Haugabrook, Solomon (Ruth) Clay, Evelyn (Roy) Hughes, Estella Cobb-Estes, Willie (Bernice) Clay, Bobbie (Russell) Grevious, the pianist who accompanied her for decades, and Percy Marshall Jr. Special family and friends also preceded her: Cpt. Percy Collins, Lillie Collins, Gwen Collins, Gertrude Jones, Teddi Foy, Gary Clay, Dr. Charles Fold, Bennie King, and her cherished goddaughters, Connie Blackwell and Mary Frost-Lee.

She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, and music that will live forever in our ears, hearts, minds. Her memory will be celebrated by her eldest son, Kenneth M. Collins, grandchildren, Kina Danner, Cameron (Jessica) Collins, Carlton (Rosalyn) Collins, G’Mar Akeem Lee, and Jermaine Frost, great-grandchildren, Elijah, Micah, Mason, Asher, and Judah Collins, she has one older brother, Clarence (Jimetta) Clay, a special high school classmate, Louise Stallworth, one godson, Steven Bester, and her ladies, the King Sisters (Ivora, Viola, Annette, and Antoinette). She adopted special daughters and friends in her life: Rita Casey, Rose Emory, Marietta Roseman, Pearl Spaulding, Joyce Mack-Robinson, Cathy Greenlee, Dorothy Jones, et.al. She has a host of fans, friends, nieces, and nephews who will celebrate her life and cherish her memories.

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