Rhoda Mae [Hawkins] Collins, in her 70th year and a resident of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, transitioned from life to everlasing on November 8, 2008 with her family at her bedside.

Rhoda was born in Eufaula, Oklahoma on February 22, 1938 to Rosa Joseph [deceased] and Robert Hawkins [deceased]. Rhoda was baptized at an early age and attended Cleaves CME Church, where she sang in the choir. She was very kindhearted and generous, she never met a stranger.

As a teenager, Rhoda played basketball and softball and was a member of the pep squad and band. Rhoda was also a member of the Elecians, Y Teens, Future Business Leaders of America and the National Homemakers of America. Her motto was "great things are done by hardwork." Rhoda was indeed a very hard worker. She aspired to become a nurse.

When she graduated from Dunbar High School in 1958, she moved to Wichita, Kansas and later moved to Denver, Colorado. In 1964, Rhoda earned her nurse aide, EKG and X-ray technician certifications and worked as a nurse aide for several years. In 1966, Rhoda married Frank E. Collins, Jr.[deceased].

While in Denver, Rhoda joined Union Baptist Missionary Church, where she sang in the choir. She enjoyed traveling with her children and saw England, Scotland, Ireland, Greece, Spain, France, Germany, Brussels, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Italy, Mexico and the Caribbean. Rhoda delighted in the fact that she went through two passports. She worked for Burlington Northern Railroad and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Firemen and Oilers. In addition, she worked for King Soopers and was a member of teh United Food and Commercial Workers International Union.

In 1999, Rhoda retired from Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad and King Soopers in Denver, Colorado and moved back to Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Rhoda became a member of teh Mount Zion Baptist Church, where she worked as an usher and with the prison ministry. She worked gladly and diligently for the Dunbar High School Association. She was also a member of the Red Hatters Society. Rhoda worked briefly as a cook for UCAP Headstart, where she was lovingly referred to as, "Miss Rhoda." She also enjoyed working with her daughter, Glynis and grandson, Courtney, at the Okmulgee Farmers Markets; and the visiting the Heifer Project International Ranch in Perryville, Arkansas. In her spare time, she enjoyed raisin chickens.

Rhoda is survived by three daughters, Judith Owens, McAllen, Texas, Glynis Coleman, Okmulgee, Oklahoma and Jamie Hawkins, Pascagoula, Mississippi; a grandson, Courtney Coleman; five sisters, Pearline Franklin [Clarence], Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Olah Mae Cotton[Billy], Wichita, Kansas, Alia B. Celestine [Willie] Grayson, Oklahoma, Rosa Lee Lee, Denver, Colorado and Rosa Mae Blair, Wichita, Kansas; also a host of nieces, nephews, many friends, including James Dean, Ted Lovett and her dearerst friend, Wand Jean Montez, of Parker, Colorado.

The service of remembrance will be on Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 11:00 AM in the Mount Zion Baptist Church. Rev. David Burks, Pastor, will officiate and Rev. Roy McConnell, Eulogist.

The Christian Committal will follow in the Northwest Cemetery in Okmulgee.