Cassie Mae Osborne Collins

Mrs. Cassie Mae Osborne Collins, who lived a beautiful life of faith, strength, and unwavering dignity, peacefully transitioned on October 7, 2024, in Nashville, TN.

By Contributed October 16, 2024 9:53 am

Mrs. Cassie Mae Osborne Collins, who lived a beautiful life of faith, strength, and unwavering dignity, peacefully transitioned on October 7, 2024, in Nashville, TN. A cherished wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, Cassie’s presence illuminated the lives of all who knew her.

Born on November 26, 1946, Cassie was a fraternal twin to Cassie Jr. and the second eldest daughter of eleven children born to Cassie Sr. and Doris Osborne. Raised on the family’s farm, she developed a deep love for nature, cooking, and family. Her parents instilled in her the values of faith, hard work, humility, and resilience—principles that guided her throughout her life.

Cassie graduated from Amanda Elzy Elementary and High School before enrolling at Mississippi Valley State University, where, as a first-generation college student, she earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in education. Her dedication to education inspired her younger siblings and set an example for others in her community. After graduating, she began her teaching career at Wilks Elementary School, but it was at her alma mater, Amanda Elzy Elementary, where she spent 30 years shaping young minds. As both a teacher and Girl Scout Troop leader, Cassie devoted herself to nurturing the next generation, instilling her values of hard work and kindness. A member of the Mississippi Association of Educators, she spent 36 years in the Leflore County School system, earning the respect of colleagues and students alike, and was honored as “Teacher of the Year” before her retirement in May 2003.

Beyond her professional life, Cassie was a devoted wife to her childhood sweetheart, Charles Wilson Collins. Together, they raised two daughters, Kanika Fatima and Shani Kehinde, in a home filled with love, faith, and joy. Cassie made their Parkway house a home filled with celebrations, dancing, music, Southern cooking, prayer, and countless family memories. She and Charles were funny, loving, kind, committed, supportive parents, always encouraging their daughters to “go far” and to “keep God first.”

Cassie joined Friendship MB Church in the early 1980s as a woman of deep faith. She served as a Youth Leader for ten years, was a Senior Adult Choir and Verse Speakers’ ministry member, and regularly supported various church programs. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she was also an advocate for social justice, serving as a Mississippi Delta poll worker for many years, ensuring fair elections, and proudly supporting her brother Solomon’s political campaigns.

Known for her quiet generosity, Cassie believed in “sowing a seed” in the lives of others. Her friendly nature, Southern hospitality, and compassion were evident in her actions, whether nurturing her daughters, kissing her grandchildren, or caring for her mother-in-law, great-aunts, parents, or husband in their later years. She touched the lives of many, always offering support to those in need.

In her later years, after relocating to Clarksville, TN, Cassie joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church (OHB), Nashville, where she continued to receive love and support from her daughter, Shani, and son, Timothy. She cherished the visits from her daughter Kanika, her son, Reginald, and her grandchildren. The exceptional care she received from her Vanderbilt University medical team was instrumental in ensuring her comfort during her final years. Surrounded by her beloved family, Cassie lived her final years with a heart full of joy, God’s peace, and contentment, always smiling, knowing she was loved deeply by all and well-deserving of being treated like a queen.

Cassie was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents, Cassie Sr. and Doris; her brother, Joseph; and her sister, Constance. She is survived by her daughters, Kanika Collins Sharp (Reginald) and Dr. Shani Collins Woods (Timothy); her sons, Charles and Michael Blanchard; her grandchildren, Sidney, Reginald II, and Lailah Sharp; her brothers, Dr. Cassie Osborne (Mamie), Honorable Representative Solomon C. Osborne (Deborah), Robert Osborne, and Henry C. Osborne; her sisters, Joyce O. Walker, Ruth Osborne, Alyce O. Horton, and Dorothy O. Hunter; and a host of extended family and friends who loved her dearly.

May the memory of Mrs. Cassie Mae Osborne Collins be a blessing to all who knew her. Her legacy of compassion, education, love, and unwavering faith will continue to inspire future generations.

Visitation with the Family