Evangelist Missionary Edna Swanson -Collins, known to most as Tootsie, was born January 7, 1952 in Mounds, IL to Steve Edwards and Lue Anna Rice. Lue Anna Rice married Percy McDade, and she was raised through that union.

Tootsie attended East High School in Cleveland, Ohio then later went to Cuyahoga Community College and earned her associate degree. She transferred to Cleveland State University where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work. After she graduated, she worked for the City of Cleveland at Jane Edna Hunter Center as a social worker for over 20 years until her retirement.

Tootsie joined New Direction Church of God in Christ more than 45 years ago and was ordained as an Evangelist Missionary in the Church of God in Christ. She was a willing worker for her church and served as a praise and worship leader, member of the choir, and later on the Mother’s Board. She later joined Peoples Church of God in Christ under the leadership of Superintendent Nash.

Tootsie was happily married to Roddie Collins for 29 years.

Tootsie enjoyed spending time with family and friends, going to church and praising the Lord. She studied the Bible carefully and intensely. People often joked that she knew the word by heart. She loved cooking and family dinners. Every holiday she made sure the whole family was together, often prompting people to, “Taste this and see how good it is.” She loved her grandchildren and always made sure that their needs were met.

Tootsie was preceded in death by her mother Lue Anna McDade, father Steve Edwards, stepfather Percy McDade and grandson Darian Rice. Tootsie leaves to cherish her memory her husband Roddie, and two daughters Angela Rice- Bouyer (Kelvon) and Tanya Rice, five grandchildren: Deonte Garfield, Devonte Garfield, Tamia Wagner, Devin Howell and Terrence Johnson, five great-grandchildren, Darion Rice, Imani Mikayla Rice Ariele Rice, Cai’ere Garfield and Zaraya Garfield, eight siblings, Percy McDade Jr., Olivia Douglas, Marilyn Glenn (Robert), Theophilus McDade, Gracie Hicks of Orlando Fl, Ruthie Turner (Jeffrey) of Columbus, OH, Teresa Farrow (Roger) of Hinesville, Ga and Fannie Timko (John), and a host of aunts, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.