Dr. Colloms

Dr. Vergene Jenkins Colloms, 99, of Spartanburg, SC, was peacefully escorted by the angels to her Heavenly home on Saturday, August 20, 2016 surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 12, 1917 in Dahlgren, Illinois to the late Herbert R. and Laura Mae Meadows Jenkins. She was the wife of the late Dr. Lester H. Colloms, ordained Methodist Minister and Professor of Religion and Philosophy at Wofford College. Her interests and achievements were many, but closest to her heart was music education. Arriving in Spartanburg in 1949 with her husband, she began teaching piano, organ, accordion, and voice in her private studio, contributing to the lives of children of all ages as well as many adult students. During this time period, Dr. Colloms was also the Minister of Music at Bethel United Methodist Church for ten years. Following her retirement there, she continued to contribute her musical gift by serving in many other Methodist Churches throughout Spartanburg County. Dr. Colloms soon joined the teaching faculty of Spartanburg Methodist College where she was Director of Choral Music. She and the SMC Choral Music group presented her original composition at the 1964 New York World's Fair as well as Expo ‘67. Following her nine years at SMC, she went on to USC Upstate where she established the current Music Department. She also corroborated to create the Gordon/Colloms Gospel Choir which remains a continuing performing choir within the Music Department at USC Upstate. Upon her retirement from USC Upstate, Dr. Colloms continued to lend herself and her musical talent and expertise to the Spartanburg community by teaching voice in the Pre-College Music Department at Converse College. Dr. Colloms held many titles and received many awards while serving her community and state. Vergene served as president of the following Spartanburg organizations: Church Women United; Business and Professional Women; The Breakfast Club of BPW; United Methodist Women of Bethel United Methodist Church Community Concerts: The Tuesday Reading and Garden Club (two terms) and initiated Women's History Month in the County. On the State level, she served as President of National Association of the Teachers of Singing; The National Fellowship of Methodist Musicians; South Carolina Student Advisor of National Federation of Music Clubs; State Chairman of Music of Business and Professional Women; South Carolina Conference of United Methodist Commission on Worship; Commission on Christian Unity and Interreligious Concerns and Commission on Status and Role of Women; Life member of National Federation of Music Clubs; of Women's Society Christian Service United Methodist Church and South Carolina Garden Club Council. National listings in Who's Who included: Who's Who in America; Who's Who in The Methodist Church; Who's Who in American Education; Who's Who in The National Federation of Music Clubs; Who's Who in International Scholars and Who's Who among College and University Students. Highest scholastic degrees were received from Northwestern University Master of Music; and Honorary Doctorate Degree from Colorado State University. Honors bestowed were: 25 years' Service Award from Music Teachers National Association; Career Woman of the Year Spartanburg Business and Professional Women in the Bicentennial Year; Senior Citizen of the Year Breakfast BPW; Recipient of the South Carolina Order of the Palmetto; Twenty Five Years of Service to the Junior Philharmonic Music Club of Spartanburg; Recognition as Charter Member of American Guild of Organist in Spartanburg; and The Silver Crescent Award conferred by the State of South Carolina. During a lifetime of individual and collective contributions, accomplishments and achievements, she considered her greatest one to be the daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, Jesus Christ. Without her personal commitment to Him, none of these would have been possible. In each endeavor, be it mother, grandmother, teacher or friend, her greatest desire was to bring glory and honor to Him and be His faithful servant. She exemplified that servant leader in all she did, to all who knew her and were privileged to be under her tutelage. Despite her personal endeavors and schedule, she was devoted to her family. She always made time to develop, maintain, nurture and teach not only music, but also the most important values of life particularly to her beloved grandsons, great granddaughters and nephews. With her daughter Beverly always at her side, they ministered together their musical gifts for many years in multiple venues across South Carolina and the United States. All our lives are enriched beyond words as you lovingly gave of yourself to each of us. Your legacy will live on through us as we strive to keep the high standard set by your love and devotion to your family; Proverbs 31:28 "Her children rise up and call her blessed". Dr. Colloms is survived by her only daughter, Beverly Patterson and husband Joe, who lovingly and tenderly cared for her in their home for the last ten years of her life. They were assisted faithfully by her caregiver, Beverly Evon Gist. Other survivors include grandsons, David A. Folk and Lisa of Spartanburg; Michael C. Folk and Julie of Inman; great-granddaughters Abbey Nicole Folk, Adrianna Kay Folk of Campobello, Sheri Folk Stott, mother of Abbey and Adrianna and great-granddaughter Rachel Craft of Spartanburg; great-grandson Ryan Craft and Teressa of Spartanburg; great-great-grandchildren, Lexi, Rylan and Ryker of Spartanburg. She is also survived by nephews, Rev. Donnell Jenkins and Marilou of Chicago, Illinois; Rev. Gary Jenkins and Dorothy Ann of Vandalia, Illinois. She was predeceased by her brother, the Rev. Dr. Farrell D. Jenkins and his wife Bonita. Visitation will be 1:00-1:45 PM Wednesday, August 24, 2016, at Bethel United Methodist Church Parlor. A Celebration honoring her life will follow at 2:00 PM conducted by the Rev. David E. Nichols and the Rev. David B. Smith. Burial will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church Music Ministry, 245 South Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29306; or the Dr. Vergene Colloms Endowed Music Scholarship at Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Dr. Vergene Jenkins Colloms please visit our Sympathy Store.