Malissa Parham Collins Austin Malissa Parham Collins Austin was born to the late Winfied and Dinah Parham on February 9, 1940, in Rawlings, Virginia. At the age of nine, she proclaimed a firm belief in Jesus Christ, was baptized, and became an active member of the Hickory Run Baptist Church, Rawlings, Virginia. She later became a member of the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Amherst, Virginia where she served as teacher and super- intendent of the Sunday Church School, church treasurer, and Olive-Star Women's Auxiliary-Advisor. Malissa further served as Youth Director for the Rockfish Baptist Association (20yrs.) District President of Rockfish Women's Auxiliary and Director Community Vacation Bible School for many years. Malissa attended the public schools of Brunswick County. She attended Saint Paul's College and received a degree in Elementary Education. She also did further studies at the University of the District of Columbia, Hampton University, Virginia University of Lynchburg and Eastern Theological Seminary. Malissa taught over 34 years in the Public Schools of Virginia and 6 years with the Adult Education Program. She received Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from the Virginia University of Lynchburg and Eastern Theological Seminary. Malissa was married to the late Edwin Wilburn Collins, Jr. To this union, two children were born; Giovanna Collins Wright and Collete Collins Giambrone. Malissa was also married to the late Rev. John I. Austin. Malissa was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. She joined the Ministers' Wives' and Ministers' Widows of Lynchburg and Vicinity and was actively involved on the local and state, and international levels. She was a member of the Grand Chapter Order of Eastern Star, P.H.A. of Virginia for many years. Malissa leaves to cherish her memory two daughters, Giovanna C. Wright (Kevin) and Collette C. Giambrone; a granddaughter, Maya Wright; five grandsons, Omari Giambrone, Jamel Giambrone, Xavier Giambrone, Kevin Wright, Jr. and Daniel Wright; two sisters, Inell P. Taylor and Edith P. Stevenson; three brothers, Alex Parham (Mary), John Parham (Ann) and Donnell Parham (Rhonda); three sisters-in-law, Abigail Collins, Angolia Collins and Birdy Collins and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. A funeral service will be held 11:00 AM Thursday, December 1, 2011 at Court Street Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Margaret Nelson, officiating. The interment will be in Briarwood Memorial Gardens, Amherst. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8 PM at Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Amherst and other times at the residence. Condolences may be sent to www.Davis-Turner.com. Service of comfort rendered by Davis-Turner Funeral Service.



Published in The News & Advance on November 29, 2011