Amelia McCollum

Amelia McCollum, age 74 of Fayette, passed away July 12, 2023, at DCH. Services will be Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church with Major Charleston officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Bankhead - McKinney Cemetery.

On July 26, 1948 in God’s Divine Providence, a beautiful baby girl was born to the late Walter W. and Frances Driver. They joyfully named this child Amelia, which means “industrious”. Throughout her life, Amelia lived up to her name.

Amelia received the living water of Eternal Life at an early age when she confessed Christ as her Personal Savior at First Baptist Church in Fayette, AL. The late Rev. J.H. Thompson was the Pastor at that time.

She received her formal education at West Highland High School. She was a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, MS.

Amelia believed in helping and serving others; therefore, she served as instructor of education at Mary Holmes Junior College in West Point, MS. She had a heart for anyone who needed special help to be able to help themselves. She made this desire tangible by serving as a Case Manager at ARC of Fayette, and also at the Mental Health Center in Fayette, AL.

She was united in Holy matrimony on September 27, 1969, to Mr. Clarence McCollum. They were married for 53 years. The Lord blessed this union with a precious daughter, Shandell. They have an amazing grandson, Caleb. She was a loyal and loving wife; a model of a loving and wise mother; the personification of a proud grandmother, Clarence, Shandell, Caleb, and Curtis were the center of her heart.

Amelia’s life was truly a testament of faith in God. She never gave up on God. Time and time again, God brought her through things that seemed impossible.

She loved to worship and work in the church. She would willingly work where she was needed. Specifically, she served as a Matron and as a faithful Deaconess. She spiritually attended church every Sunday via social media. She let no one disrupt this sacred hour.

Amelia is preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Frances Driver; two brothers: Severne Driver and Louis Driver; her sister, Beverly Driver; one niece, Angel Jones; and one nephew, Jeremy Whitson.

Beloved Amelia transcended earth and entered the golden gates of Heaven on Wednesday morning of July 12, 2023 at 12:47 a.m. at DCH Noland Hospital, Tuscaloosa, AL. God attired her with golden wings and angels escorted her to her heavenly mansion. To God Be the Glory!

She leaves to cherish her unforgettable memories, her husband, Clarence; one daughter, Shandell (Curtis) McAfee; one grandson, Caleb McAfee; three sisters; Aretha Newton, Sherry Jones and Mary Driver; two brothers: Levoyd Driver (Ann), Timothy Driver (Stephanie); two sisters-in-law: Penny Driver and Louise Driver; a host of nieces, nephews, great grands, great-great grands, and cousins; one aunt, Mrs. Ethel Young of Columbus, MS; and her First Baptist Church family and well-wishers