Muriel Collins

Obituary

Muriel Elizabeth Collins was born on October 15, 1932 in Amityville, N.Y. to Matthew Lee Porter and Lillian Collins Porter. She was on of seven children. Muriel was surrounded by very close-knit family which included her grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends at the home of her grandparents on Albany Avenue for celebration of various occasions. These gatherings continued as Muriel grew up and they begun to meet at their various homes. They were a favorite of hers and she was always ready with good food, fun and laughter, especially when they gathered at her home. Family and friends lovingly called her “Betty.”

As a young girl she attended Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Amityville, N.Y. with her mother who taught her children to harmonize, and from there they formed The Porter Singers, which sang at local churches.

Muriel began her education at Park Avenue Elementary School in Amityville, N.Y. she later attended Amityville High School.

She worked as a housekeeper for the Nichols family for many years which she enjoyed. Later she took a position as a wirer at Plessey Semiconductors in Farmingdale, N.Y.

Muriel married Donald Sanford and they had four children Darnella, Marvina, Donald Jr. and Robert. Many years later they divorced. She re-married Lyman Brooks and they had twins Karen and Kevin. She was a wonderful mother to her children who were all very close to her. She had a quiet sweet spirit, although at times could also be quite outspoken. She is remembered by many to be caring and loving. Being a good listener, some have also experienced her empathy and concern when learning about their circumstances. Although she didn’t have much, if there was anything she could do to help she would. She believed that whatever you could do to help someone, especially family, if possible, you should do it. I am sure that there is much that each one of us could add about how she impacted our lives.

She frequently attended Upper Room Christian World Center with her daughter Marvina and helped with the children. At a young age Muriel and her siblings accepted the Lord. In her later years she rededicated her life to the Lord in prayer with her daughter Darnella. Her spirit has now joyfully joined with her Lord for eternity. We who are saved will one day be reunited with her.

Muriel will be greatly missed and is survived by her two brothers, 6 children, 12 Grandchildren, and a host of great grands, great-great-grands as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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