Pastor Denease A. Collins Mays

September 9, 1953 - September 17, 2021

Pastor Denease A. Collins Mays, 68, of Pontiac, IL departed this life on September 17, 2021, at Franciscan Health Olympian Fields Hospital. Pastor Denease was born on September 9, 1953, in Chicago, IL to James Wandick and Coatie Collins, they precede her. She attended Cooley High School in Chicago, IL. She confessed her life to Christ at an early age. Pastor Denease received her Biblical Studies from Chicago Christian Center Bible Institute. She attended Lively Stone Missionary Baptist Church as a child, later attending Resurrection Power under the leadership of Bishop Odell Dye III. She then later opened her own foundation “The Rock of Salvation “where she ministered. She was married to John Mays Sr. for over 30 years, he precedes her. Pastor Denease was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, she will truly be missed. Pastor Denease leaves to cherish her precious memory: two daughters: Alice (Steve) Thompson and Marisha (Aubra) Hall; four sons: Albert (Keisha) Collins, Edward Collins, Keith Mays, and John Mays Jr. God Daughter: Valerie Tyson; two sisters: Pastor Janice Green and Lilian (Bruce) Spencer; three brothers: James Collins, Jose Collins, and Bernard Treadwell, a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her dearly. In addition to her loving parents and husband she is preceded in death by, one sister: Coatillia Collins; one son: Timothy Collins; one daughter: Janice Harris; two grandsons: Brian Bruce Jr and DeAndre Marks Jr.; two great grandchildren Jada Collins and Kadan Scott. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, September 25, 2021 at The Greater City of Refuge Worship Cathedral at 11:00 a.m. with visitation commencing one-hour prior at 10:00 a.m. Bishop Timothy Criss will present the eulogy. Acknowledgements and Condolences can be received at T.W. Parks Colonial Chapel. Due to COVID-19 mandates masks are required. Pastor Denease will be laid to rest at the Historic Springdale Cemetery