Dellerva Collins Memorial Gardens

EAST CAROLINA PATHWAY TO FREEDOM COALITION PROJECTS

Collins Park and Dellerva Collins Memorial Gardens

Dellerva Elizabeth Wise Collins or “Ms. Dell” as she was so fondly known was a native of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and was born December 28, 1934 in Manteo, NC to John Frank and Edna Mae Wise. She had three brothers, two sisters, two children, Darrell Mcnary and Yolanda Elizabeth Collins, 7 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. She was the widow of Frank McNary Collins who served in the United States Coastguard for 16 years before perishing in the last major hurricane that swept the Outer Banks in 1960. The Collins family has lived on the Outer Banks of North Carolina for over 143 years. Ms. Dell’s maternal grandparents were members of the Black Freedman’s Colony that settled on Roanoke Island during the Civil War.

"Ms. Dell at the annual "Freedman's Colony celebration in Cartwright Park"

Ms. Dell was educated at the historical Roanoke School (now, Dare County Headstart and Roanoke Island Community Center), Manteo, NC and P.W. Moore High School in Elizabeth City, NC. She was a Case Manager with Economic Improvement Council for 36 years and retired in 2003. She was also the first African American woman to be elected to the Town of Manteo Commissioner Board and held that position for 26 years serving as Mayor Pro Tempore until her death in November of 2005.

Prior to beginning her political career, Ms. Dell had a long history of volunteer work in the community. She was presented with the 1980 Governor’s Volunteer Award for outstanding accomplishments and exemplary involvement in organizing volunteer groups in the County. She was a life-long devoted member of Haven Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Manteo and through her work with the church and E.I.C. she became painstakingly aware of the needs of the Black Community and the problems that they faced. She never stopped working on behalf of the people of Manteo and made a tremendous difference in the lives of many who lived on both sides of the street.

Ms. Dell had great passion and tireless energy when it came to helping others in need…she brought out the best in her neighbors instilling pride and stewardship in their communities’ History and Heritage.

In serving her community, Ms. Dell was an Advisor to the Golden Age Senior Citizens Club; Chairwoman and President of the Roanoke Island Freedman’s Colony; a member of Dare County Tourism Board; the GEM Adult Services, Inc. Board, the Dare County Nursing Advisory Committee and the NAACP. She was also Vice-President of the Echoes of Heritage, East Carolina Pathway to Freedom Coalition and Advisor to Monday Night Alive.

Throughout her 70 years, Ms. Dell took great care and pride in nurturing the young people of the community. She instilled in them a keen sense of their history and legacy which has strengthened and encouraged many of them to go on to college and position themselves to give back to the community that so richly gave to them!

Ms. Dell had friends from all walks of life and knew just about everybody in the community. She was a living “History Book” for every native family on Roanoke Island and will be remembered, missed and loved by all who’s lives she touched. Her quiet spirit, patient eyes, sweet smile, and genuine hugs will never be forgotten.

Ms. Dell truly embodied the verse,
“In Quietness and Confidence shall be your Strength”…Isaiah 30:15