She was born October 14, 1924 in Andrews, N. C. to the late Henry and Elva McAdams. Bertha accepted Christ at an early age becoming a member of the Holiness Church.
She was united in holy matrimony to Melvin Collie Sr. on April 8, 1946 and to this union seven children were born: Frederick (Teddy), Phillip (Dean), Berthanna (Bert), Hugh (Benny), Joseph (Joey), Solomon (Ricky) and Darlene (Dolly).
Mrs. Collie worked as a childcare provider and formerly worked for Dayton Public Schools Nutrition Services. She ran the Gleaning Program of Montgomery County and the Food Pantry Program for First Thessalonian MBC. She was a former member of Isle of Patmos Church; later joining her husband at First Thessalonian MBC where she served faithfully.
Bertha is preceded to Heaven by her parents; sister and brothers-in-law, Ruby (Rev. Morris) Bowman and Forrest Henderson; (2) brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy (Nadine) McAdams and Robert (Margie) McAdams.
She leaves to cherish her memory: a loving husband of 69 years of marriage, Rev. Melvin Collie, Sr.; (7) devoted children: Frederick (Saundra) Collie of Dayton, OH; Phillip (Cynthia) Collie of Washington Courthouse, OH, Berthanna (Dennis) Oxendine, Hugh Collie, Joseph Collie, Solomon (Gail) Collie and Darlene (Keith) Harvey all of Johnson City, TN; (1) loving sister, Ruth Henderson of Nashville, TN.; (1) brother and sister-in-law, Hugh (Shirley) Collie of Johnson City, TN; (23) grandchildren, (31) great-grandchildren; (2) very special friends, Ruth Kilgore and Doris Ballard and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other very dear relatives and friends.
Funeral Service will be held 11:00 a.m., FRIDAY, March 4, 2016 at CORINTHIAN BAPTIST CHURCH, 700 S. James H. McGee Blvd. Reverend Dr. P. E Henderson, Jr Pastor, with Rev. Clifford Ballard, Sr. officiating.
The family will receive friends 9:30 a.m. until time of service. Interment: 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 7, 2016 at the Dayton National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Thomas Funeral Home 4520 Salem Ave. On-line condolences may also be sent to the family at www.thomasfunerals.com
