Thelma L. (Walter) Collins

Mrs. Thelma L. (Walter) Collins, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2016.

Thelma, affectionately known as 'Madea' was born in Sherard, Mississippi to the late Sarah and James Walter, the second of six children. She was a cotton picker who moved to Indianapolis, Indiana in 1962 with her husband and young children.

Thelma loved to sing. Singing was her empowering source. She was studious and intelligent. Determined to excel. She completed high school and continued her education at Coahoma Community College, Clarksdale, Mississippi. She was an amazing cook and seamstress.

Thelma became employed at St. Vincent Hospital as a Nurse's Aide. However, her professional ambition was for more. She prepared for the U.S. Postal exam, and upon completion and passing the exam, began her career as a Federal Employee with the U.S. Postal Service. She loved her job and demonstrated an impeccable work ethic, receiving numerous certificates for outstanding job performance and perfect attendance, and was continually promoted to increased levels of responsibility.

'Madea' had a quiet spirit, was soft spoken, had a heart for giving, was steady as a rock and a Tower of Strength.

'Madea' leaves to cherish her memory: son, Edward Lewis Collins (Earnestine); daughters, Bettye J. Price, Brenda Collins Powell, Maxine Collins, 11 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, brothers, George Walter of Chicago, IL; sister-in-laws, Margaret Jean Walter of St. Louis, MO and Frances Walter of Indianapolis, IN, and a host of nieces, nephews, other extended relatives, church family and friends.

'Madea' personified benevolence and beauty to all who knew her. Those closest to her can bask in the radian comforting afterglow of her well-lived life for many years to come.

Family and Friends Visitation will be held on Friday, August 12, 2016 from 5 to 8pm at Lavenia and Summers Home for Funerals, 5811 E. 38th Street. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from 10am until 12 Noon at Turning Point Family Worship Center, 4501 N. Post Road. The funeral service will immediately follow at 12 Noon. Entombment will be in Crown Hill Cemetery.