Carrillo Yvonne Pilson Collins, was lovingly called “Mother” by her children, and was endearingly known as “Sister” and “T- Red” by others. Born in Martinsville, VA, her life’s journey ended in her home in Norfolk, VA. She was a loving daughter, sister, mother, and friend to those who knew her. At an early age, Mother gave her life to Christ at Mt. Olive East Christian Church and in recent years she faithfully attended FavorNation Church in Chesapeake, VA. Our mother boldly acknowledged the goodness of God in her life and was thankful for His hand upon her especially during her health challenges. Mother’s favorite saying was “I’m sending them up” meaning she was going to earnestly pray for you because she knew about the power of prayer.

After attending Carver High School, she met and married James Collins. To that union, their first child, Tony, was born in Martinsville. Shortly afterwards, James joined the Army and moved his family to Fort Hood, TX. A few years later, the couple was blessed with two more children, Cirillo “Leon” and Veronica “VC”. In 1994, Mother relocated to Norfolk, VA.

There are many cherished memories of our mother that are unforgettable. Mother once owned, what would be today called a “Juke Joint” on Barton Street. She enjoyed a good time but most of all she was happy when she saw that others were having a good time as well. Mother was known for looking out for others … she found joy in helping people. Mother loved sending birthday cards with personalized handwritten notes, which we don’t see happening much today. At FavorNation Church, she was particularly drawn to the GEM (God Empowers Me) senior group where she enjoyed their fellowship and outings. Mother was an honorary member of the Girlfriends of MAVAHI ’71 club and attended their annual gatherings in Martinsville. She loved to fellowship with ole friends and enjoy the good times.

Mother was preceded in death by her parents, Evelyn France and Curtis Pilson, Sr., her brother Curtis “June” Pilson, Jr., two sisters: Drucilla Penn and Jacqueline Gravely; son Tony Collins; grandchild, Abigail "Yvonne" Collins; and son-in-law Wallace Wilkins. Left to cherish her memories are her son: Cirillo “Leon” (Sandra) Collins of San Antonio, TX; and daughter, Veronica “VC” Wilkins of Virginia Beach, VA. One sister Robin (Michael) Brown, and bonus mother Ruby Pilson of Bassett; three grandchildren, all from San Antonio, TX: Xavier (fiancé Eliza) Castillo, Mariah (Carl) Martinez, and Cirillo Collins, II; four great-grandchildren, many relatives and loved ones.

We are grateful for Bernetha “Bunny” Hairston, mother’s kind, and compassionate caretaker and friend. Upon meeting our mother, Bunny promised, “Ms. Collins, I will never leave you” and she kept her promise. Thank you, Bunny, for staying the course until the end … you’ve been our rock. And thank you to all who touched our mother’s life and who reached out to us during this difficult time in our life’s journey. There are too many to name (but you know who you are) and too few words to show our gratitude. The power of everyone’s love and prayers have strengthened us. We know our loss is heaven’s gain.

A visitation services will be held on Monday, February 27, 2023, at 11:30 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12 p.m. at Mt. Olive East Christian Church (DOC), 3611 Spencer Preston Rd., Martinsville, VA with Pastor E. Leroy "Peter" Valentine, Eulogist. Burial will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 1310 Carver Rd., Martinsville. A public viewing will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2023, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville between the hours of 2 p.m. until 5 p.m.

To view live streaming of the funeral service, go to Hairston Funeral Home live on Facebook.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hairston Funeral Home.