Mariam Keziah Collins

On the morning of December 19, 2024, following a brief illness and surrounded by her loved ones, Mariam Keziah Collins passed peacefully from this earthly life to her eternal reward in Heaven. She was born in Monroe, NC, on May 11, 1935, and lived there through the early 1950s. She married her beloved husband, Phillip Wayne Collins, in December 1954. Together, they built a life filled with love, raising three children while Mariam dedicated over 40 years to a successful career in the banking industry, retiring from Bank of America in 2000. She spent her later years in Waxhaw, NC.

Mariam leaves behind a loving family who cherished her deeply: her three children, David Collins (fiancée Sherri Mauney), Lori McGee, and Darryl Collins (wife Sandra); three grandchildren, Corey Dalton (wife Morgan), Samantha Dalton, and Hannah Collins; and one great-granddaughter, Harper Dalton. She is also survived by her sister, Carol Berkebile; sister-in-law, Brenda Taylor; and many nieces and nephews. Mariam was preceded in death by her husband, Phillip Collins; her parents, Stephen Taylor and Helena Keziah; her brother, Ronald Taylor; and her brother-in-law, Ronald Berkebile.

Mariam found joy in the simple pleasures of life—cooking, baking treats, shopping, and especially tuning into her favorite programs on QVC. But her greatest happiness came from time spent with her family. Whether on vacations, during holiday gatherings, or celebrating special occasions, her love for her family was the heart of her life.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2025, at McEwen Funeral Home in Pineville, NC. Family and friends are invited to gather for visitation at 10 a.m., with the service to follow at 11 a.m. A lifelong friend to all animals, Mariam cared deeply for creatures great and small. In her memory, contributions may be made to an animal rights and protection organization or a charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.

Mariam’s kindness, love, and warmth will be deeply missed by all who knew her.