[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 176 (Thursday, December 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1846]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING COLLINS FUNERAL HOME

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                        HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 12, 2013

  Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Collins Funeral Home, Inc. in Jackson, Mississippi. This is the funeral 
service business for African-Americans which began in the 1880's. The 
business was Lyman and Harvey Undertakers at the corner of Pearl and 
Farish Streets. Lyman came from Vicksburg, Mississippi where he had 
also started a funeral home. He and Jack Harvey sold their business to 
G. F. Frazier who operated from 406 North Farish Street beginning in 
1903. Records from this year forward are maintained by Collins Funeral 
Home.
  In the late 1880's, Malachi Collins and E.W. Hall established a 
funeral service business, Hall and Collins Funeral Home was in 
Hattiesburg, Mississippi. This was the first funeral home owned by 
African-Americans to service the African-American population.
  In 1924, as G. F. Frazier prepared to move from Jackson to Cleveland, 
Ohio, he sold his business to Malachi Collins and his wife Mary A. 
Collins. For many years, although owned exclusively by Mr. and Mrs. 
Collins, the company was known as Frazier and Collins Funeral Home. The 
Collins Burial Insurance Company was established in 1925.
  In April, 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Collins moved the business from 406 
North Farish across the street to 415 North Farish Street, its present 
location. Mr. Collins died later that year, and Mrs. Collins, along 
with a dedicated staff continued to operate the business.
  Clarie Collins Harvey, the only child of Mary and Malachi Collins, 
joined her mother in management of the business in 1950. The Frazier 
name was dropped and the business became known as Collins Funeral Home, 
Inc. Mary A. Collins remained president and CEO until her death in 1970 
when her daughter assumed these responsibilities.
  Since Clarie C. Harvey had no children or siblings, she developed a 
close relationship with some of her many cousins. Two of them joined 
her in the business: Ralph E. Collins in 1963, and his sister, Annette 
Collins Rollins in 1973. They have owned and operated the Collins 
Funeral Home and Insurance Companies since Mrs. Harvey's death in 1995.
  Collins Insurance Company was formed to offer burial insurance to 
people of color in the community at a time when standard life insurance 
was not available. Mrs. Harvey took this service a step further by 
offering to Collins' patrons a funeral service for these limited 
amounts. In an effort to meet the needs of our changing society, 
Collins now offers life insurance in face amounts up to $5,000 and has 
continued the burial insurance allowing patrons the opportunity to 
upgrade. Prearrangements are also available for those who want to 
assure that their needs are met and to lighten the burden on loved 
ones.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Collins 
Funeral Home, Inc.

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