"THE STEPS OF A GOOD MAN ARE ORDERED BY THE LORD" A child of God, Howard Zebulum Collins, was given to loving parents, the late Deacon George William Collins and Phoebe Epps on May 3, 1930 in Dayton, Ohio. Two years later, Howard had to share their love with his sister Ruth Elizabeth Collins. their parents, searching for a better life, journeyed to Baltimore, Maryland. There Howard received his early education in Baltimore Public schools. While in the 12th grade, before graduating, he ws drafted into the Marine Corp. After doing basic training he came back home and graduated from Douglas High School in 1952. He attended Morgan State College after leaving The Service for 1 year. Howard was taught to love the Lord, so at the age of 11 he joined the Church of God and Saints of Christ under the Pastorship of the late Elder Charles Johnson and later served under the late Evangelist Joseph Stephenson. He was baptized by the late Bishop R.N. Butler on December 7, 1941 and thus began his task to serve. As he served time in the Marine Corp he saw a greater Joy in serving his Church. Howard, being a lover of music in all forms, be it Gospel, Jazz, Classic, Blues or R&B, served his Church in the capacity of Singer, Chorister, and Father Abraham in the Daughters of Jerusalem & Sisters of Mercy, Sr. Quorum. At the 1974 Passover Celebration in Belleville, Va. He was appointed District Superintendent of Choir for the Mid Atlantic Region-this position he served until 1983. Howard was a free spirit, a kind, thoughtful, concerned, sometimes very devilish, he would always think of things and ways to make you laugh, very friendly-talked to any and everyone, a peacemaker, and boy could he sing some tenor. Perhaps these qualities and a song he sung caught the heart of a young women from Parsonsburg, MD; Martha Jane Gordy. They met in the mid 1950's andwere married June 15, 1958 by the late Elder Charles Johnson. From thie union came Phoebe Rene and twins, Martha Elizabeth and Anna Rochelle. In Howard's quest to serve, he was employed by the Social Security Administration in 1956. After 30 years os service he then retired in May 1986. While at Social Security, he was befriended by a lifelong friend and brother, Haywood Watson. Not only did Howard share his singing talent with the Church but he also sang tenor in a group called "The Metrotones". In the early 1960's they recorded a song on the "78" record. Such harmony you'd think they were the Temptations, if you didn't know better. "Harry" as Howard was affectionately known as, possessed many talents. He was a Painter, anything electronic he could fix, oh, and don't forget the homemade movies. These he shared with family and friends and shall never be forgotten. He had a great sense of humor. A smile would come on our faces every time we heard him say "God don't dwell in confusement" or "no that ain't hitting on nothing" or "kiss grnadma's snotty nose." He vividly recalled in detail many events that took place while in the Marines and in Church services. More than anything he loved Church. During the services you would often hear him say, yeah, talk about it", "no God don't loose no battles, he's unfeated" and "WITNESS"; and our personal favorite, "naw, naw-they don't keep the Sabbath." Yes, Music was his life. He received much joy from listening to the same songs every night at bedtime, sometimes singing in the basement to the music of the 4 Freshmen to himself. We will long remember his last performance singing with the Singing Sons of Abraham at Coppin State last year featuring the song "MY PRAYER".We will close our eyes and hear him singing "MY LORD" in "Let the Church Roll On", and harmonizing to "If you love God Serve Him" and Children let us not be divided let us have one mind," Straighen up and Fly RightNat King Cole, Mint JulepThe Clovers, Strange FruitBillie Holiday, and Beans and CornbreadLouis Jordan. Many kind words, deeds, jokes, encouragements will be ever in the hearts of many, especially his grandchildren: to whom he said to "always mind, stay and do good in school, and always love one another." In his last days "Peace Be Still" was his favorite phrase. On December 20, 2008 at 7:30 P.M., Howard crossed over in peace. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife of 50 years, Martha;3 daughters, Phoebe, Martha and Anna: 2 sons in law, Stephon Smith, Henson Coates, Sr; 1 adopted son, Greg Williams; 6 grandchildren, Vincent, Brittany, Shekinah, Larie, Nasya, and Henson Jr.; 1 God daughter, Robin Chisolm; 1 sister, Ruth E. Collins; 1 sister in law, Hilda Byrd; 1 brother-in-law, Daniel Gordy; 2 best friends who were like brothers, Haywood Watson and Wilbert Simms, a host of nieces, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.