Janet was born on September 11, 1944, to Melvin Lee and Alma Bray Lee in Franklin, Louisiana.
She was the only daughter born to this union. Janet was affectionately known as "Big Momma"
to her loved ones. At an early age, she professed her faith in Jesus Christ at St. Joseph Baptist
Church under the leadership of the Late Reverend Albert Wiggins. Janet received her education
at Willow Street High School in Franklin, Louisiana.
Janet married her soulmate, the late Palfrey Collins Sr. on March 13, 1964. They were devoted
to one another for over 40 amazing years until God called him home. Their union was blessed
with five wonderful children: Annette, Kerry (deceased), Gregory, Palfrey, and Ekiria. Janet and
her husband relocated to Houston, TX where they raised their children, became members of
the church, had long rewarding careers at Texas Instruments (Janet), and Cameron Iron Works
(Palfrey), and served her community through serving as team mom and cheerleader coach with
multiple youth baseball and football teams. Janet also enjoyed serving on the usher board,
being a matron to the drill team and youth department at Berean Missionary Baptist Church. As
a first lady at the church, she founded with her late husband, New Greater Faith Baptist Church
(NGFBC), she organized several programs over the years and even found time to provide
homemade meals after service. There was no cake and punch or having to stop for fast food
after you attended a NGFBC service. You could even occasionally find her teaching Sunday
School and Bible Study.
Janet often welcomed the children in the neighborhood and their children's friends into their
home. Janet loved being called "Big Momma" by her grandchildren, great grandchildren, and
their friends. They all adored her famous Sunday meals including Coconut Pineapple Cake,
Pecan Pralines, Sweet Potato Pies, King Ranch Casserole, Twice Baked Potatoes, and Broccoli
and Cheese Casserole. She had a big heart and beautiful smile. If you were hungry, she feed
you. If you need a place to stay, she opened her home to many families, friends, and neighbors.
Big momma was our comedian with her firecracker personality. She loved serving on multiple
committees at church, checking on her neighbors, talking and shopping with her friends,
playing cards, planting flowers, traveling, and watching her favorite tv shows- The Price is Right,
Wheel of Fortune, and The Family Feud.
Big Mom transitioned peacefully on Friday, December 1, 2023, surrounded by her children,
grandchildren, nieces, nephews, neighbors, church members, caregivers, and friends. She is
proceeded in death by her father Melvin Lee Sr., her oldest son Kerry Collins, mother Alma Bray
Lee, husband Palfrey Collins Sr., brother Melvin Lee Jr., sister in-laws Wanda Lee and Joyce Lee.

Janet leaves a legacy of love to cherish her memories to her daughters Annette Micheaux
(Larry) and Ekiria Collins (Lionel); her sons Gregory Collins (Veronica) and Palfrey Collins Jr.,
(Sybil); her brother Henry Lee (Julia Mae) and Marshall Lee Sr. (Wanda); sister-in-law Elaine
Collins, brothers-in-law Roosevelt Collins (Annie Lee) and Daniel Collins (Elaine); grandchildren
LaTasha Nwankwo (Michael), Jarvis Williams (Alison). LaToya Giles (Edward), Brandon Weaver,
Cortney Collins, Gregory Collins (Jasmine), Joshua Micheaux, indeo Randle, Davy'on Collins, and
Corey Collins; grand pups Diamond, Eli, Licorice, Flower, Rowdy, George, Lychee, Legend,
Destiny, and Journey; 16 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; Godchildren Patrice Lee
Fleming, Timika Richard, Beyonce Roberson; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, neighbors, and
friends.