Mrs. Marie B. Collis

Marie Bernice Collis, formerly of Decatur, passed away on January 24, 2015 in Atlanta, GA. She was 95. Marie was born in Conley, GA on May 11, 1919 to Bernice Mae Ingram and Henry Grady Moore. After her father died, she was adopted by her stepfather, Lee Adas Cole, Sr. Marie believed, “You can do anything you put your mind to,” and that attitude carried her far. Growing up, she took on much responsibility at a young age. She served as translator for her deaf-mute parents and took great care of her brothers, Lee and Bennie. She also made time for fun, sharing fond memories of playing hide and seek and going to the Empire Theatre on Saturdays. At age 17. she married Granville Arville “Shorty” Collis. They were married 52 years, until his death in 1999. They enjoyed traveling and visited all 50 states, Canada, Mexico and Europe. Shorty and Marie had a son, Glenn, in 1936. He was their pride and joy! Marie’s legacy lives on through him. The many lessons she taught him have served him well: to love God, work hard, save your money, respect others and plan ahead, to name a few. Marie enjoyed a 37-year career with Sears. She spoke proudly of how quickly she filled fabric orders (20 orders every 15 minutes). She was a woman ahead of her time. It was most unusual in her day and age for a woman to “do it all.” She worked full time; took care of her son, husband and deaf parents; and kept an immaculate house. If anything needed to be done, she did it. She would cook, clean, sew, do yard work, paint the house, clean the gutters, wash the windows, and grout the tub. She and Shorty were actively involved in activities at their church, Decatur Heights Baptist. In addition to all of that, Marie had the energy and patience to host her granddaughters for a spend-the-night party every weekend. They cherish those times as well as memories of the many trips they took with their grandparents. Marie is survived by her brothers, Lee Cole, Jr. and Bennie Cole as well as her son, Glenn Collis, daughter-in-law, Dawn Collis, and granddaughters, Carla Collis Gesite and Crista Collis Hutchens. The family sends their special love and thanks to: Violet, Ulmaria, Katie, Fatu, and many others who give her excellent love and care. In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to World Harvest Church: 320 Hardscrabble Road, Roswell, GA 30075 or Halcyon Hospice: 5411 Northland Drive, Atlanta GA 30342

Mrs. Marie B. Collis

May 11, 1919 - January 24, 2015