Oliver Fletcher Collins

Mr. Oliver Fletcher Collins, a Friday’s child, born on May 21,1948, was the first to be gifted to the union of Willie and Willie Mae (nee Fletcher) in Cincinnati, Ohio. Reared in the historic West End neighborhood of Cincinnati, Oliver received his elementary and junior high education from nearby parochial schools. After graduating from Hughes High School in 1967, he continued his education at the University of Cincinnati. There, in addition to his academic pursuits, he pledged Beta Eta Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Later, Oliver would attend the University of Findlay majoring in Religious Studies. His stellar academic achievement earned him a place on the President’s List. Oliver was employed with the U.S. Post Office from 1970 through 1971. After relocating to Toledo, Ohio in 1972, he continued his federal employment, this time with the Social Security Administration. One year later, he returned to Cincinnati. In 1975, Oliver wed Miss Donna Rae Stokes. At that time, the young family resided in Toledo and eventually welcomed, two daughters: Erian Nicole and Hillary Danai. However, in 1982, Oliver and Donna Rae divorced, and she returned to Cincinnati. Despite this separation, Oliver remained a doting, dutiful and loving father. Whether in Cincinnati or Toledo, he spent every holiday and birthday with his daughters. They, in turn, spent summer vacations with Oliver and Barbara in Toledo. Post-divorce, Oliver continued his employment with the Toledo Social Security Office. In due course, he transitioned to the position of Equal Employment Opportunity "EEO" Investigator, and later became Lead "EEO" Officer for the State of Ohio. Subsequently, he was promoted to Lead Federal "EEO" Officer for the entire Chicago jurisdiction. After 34 years of service, Oliver retired from the Social Security Administration in 2000. Two years later, in 2002, Oliver began substitute teaching with the Toledo Public Schools. Eventually, he became a full-time para-professional assigned to Robert S. Rogers High School. During his tenure at Rogers High, he became a founding co-advisor for the Student African American Brotherhood Chapter. S.A.A.B., a national organization, is dedicated to ensuring that young men of color have the support they need to excel academically, socially, and professionally. He also served on the Board of Directors of The Toledo Federation of Teachers. In 2019, Oliver retired, concluding 17 years of employment with the Toledo Public Schools. For more than 45 years, Oliver held a great passion for photography. He enthusiastically taught photography at Nathan Hale Elementary School in its after school Lighted School Program. He specialized in portraiture, weddings, reunions, and graduations. Aside from forays in traditional photography, Oliver had broader interests. As a result, he delved into more esoteric and creative picture taking. He explored and photographed natural subjects including sunrises and sunsets, landscapes, and local wildlife. He shot everywhere, constantly broadening his photographic repertoire. In 1982, Oliver met his life’s partner, Barbara A. Selvey. The two shared a compatible, loving relationship, lasting for 41 years. Oliver was baptized at an early age. In 1983, he joined Third Baptist Church. There he was an active member affiliating with the Adult Fellowship Choir, the Men's Chorus, and the Voices of Unity. He served as Scout Master for the "Third Baptist Cub Scout Pack: Troop #94". For over twenty years, he served as chairperson of the church Advisory Committee. He served as a Liturgist. His commitment to serve Third Baptist is evidenced by his willingness to support its many events, activities and projects. When asked to serve, he never said no. Oliver loved music especially Jazz and held an extensive collection dating back to 1956. He sang with The Toledo Opera Chorus, the Toledo Symphonic Choir and the David Carter Symphonic Choir. His hobbies included hunting, traveling, couture, dapper shoes and Italian dining. He was a die-hard Cincinnati Bengals fan; a staunch member of the "Who Dey" Nation. Most especially though, he loved spending his summer months with grandson, Jaedon. Oliver was predeceased by both parents, his only sibling, sister Carol Collins and his brothers-in-love Edward “Jeeter” Selvey, Willie Peters, Esq and sister-in-love, Cecelia Peters, M.D. He leaves to cherish his memory, his life’s partner, Barbara A. Selvey, daughters Erian Nicole Collins, Hillary Danai Collins, and grandson Jaedon James McPherson, sisters-in-love Barbara Jean Selvey, Hazel Selvey, and brother-in love, Robert Selvey, and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. Oliver shared a special relationship with the family of his honorary “brother-friend” Melvin Daniels, wife Idell, and sons Joshua, Jamel, and Jacob all of whom were with him until the end.

Oliver Fletcher Collins

May 21, 1948 - March 7, 2023