Paula Eugenia Whittaker Collins departed this life peacefully, at Trellis Supportive Care, Winston-Salem, NC on August 25, 2026 of complications from a brief illness.
Paula was born March 26, 1946 in Jersey City, NJ to Marion B. and Eva Allen Whittaker. The family relocated to Neptune, NJ in 1945 and Paula had the privilege of being raised on Myrtle Ave. It was a “Village” street, where all the elders participated in your upbringing. Paula remained a “Member” of the “Myrtle Ave. Crew” to the end.
She attended and graduated from Neptune Township Public Schools. She earned an Associate Degree in Business. After graduation, she was employed at Belmar Motors (Seacoast Chevrolet). That opportunity afforded her advancement to General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), Shrewsbury, Woodbridge, and East Hanover, NJ, of which she retired from. After retirement, she was employed at Macy’s in Eatontown, NJ. Anyone who knew Paula knows that it was a dream job because it allowed her to do her favorite thing in life – “Shopping.” She came out of retirement to fulfill another passion of hers - young people. She became a Paraprofessional at The Early Childhood Center (ECC), Neptune Township Public Schools.
Paula was a devoted life-long member of St. Augustine’s Episcopal Church, Asbury Park, NJ. She was a teen member of The Episcopal Young Church Men and Women (EYC) and later an adult advisor, Episcopal Church Women (ECW), and The Loving Ones, which included Bible Study and Fellowship. Paula loved her church.
Paula married The Rev. Emmanual G. Collins in 2005 and moved to Winston-Salem, NC. She joined Crestwood Baptist Church and found a loving church home, where she continued her spiritual journey.
Paula was predeceased by her loving parents, Marion B. and Eva Whittaker. Husband, The Rev. Emmanuel G. Collins on August 16, 2020. Brothers, Marion D. Whittaker and Allen Whittaker, Sister, Geneva Clay and Brother-in-law, Morris Clay.
She leaves to cherish her loving memory: Her devoted sister, Carole (Leroy) Oliver, Neptune, NJ, Her stepchildren, Grace (Grady) McRae, Emmanuel (Kay) Collins Jr. and Christopher Collins. Eleven step-grandchildren and one great step-grandchild. She is also survived by loving nephews and nieces: Marion D. (Denise) Whittaker, Fern (Brian) Johnson, Morris (Fatima) Clay Jr., Michael (Risa), Paul (Leticia) Clay, Troy (Eunice) Clay, and Lori Wester. God Children: Tony Shomo, Diane Fellenz, Tracy Whittaker Winrow, Joshua Wester Cummings, and Marilyn Daniels. A special life-long friend, Linda Wilson Shomo and a host of grand nieces, grand nephews, cousins, family and friends.
Zoom link to view virtually:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85932020234?pwd=O2YNXQ34DFddzjAZBQ9cOtvsAjIjwq.1
