Alicia June Collins

Alicia June Barnett Collins, affectionately known as “Pookie” and “AJ” by her family, was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, on March 15, 1971, to Theodore W. Barnett, Jr. and Sadie Ann Ratliff Barnett at Coleman Hospital for Women. Nearly ten years later, she became a big sister to Ashley Janell, whom Alicia named. She attended Heritage Christian School and Lawrence Central High School, graduating from the class of 1989.

Alicia accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized on January 15, 1978, at Mt. Paran Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. BF Sims. As a faithful servant, Alicia was deeply involved in her church, serving on the Junior and Senior Usher Ministries, Youth Ministry, Youth Choir, Shoes for Children Ministry and was a board member for Mt. Paran Square Apartments.

Alicia attended Indiana University Bloomington in the Groups Scholars Program. While at IU, Alicia was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Tau Chapter, in the fall of 1991. She met many of her lifelong friends while on campus, including her husband, Tommie. Alicia graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, making her parents proud as a first-generation college graduate.

Alicia began her more than 30-year career as a philanthropic professional in grassroots organizing, community development, and crime prevention, serving the Far Eastside of Indianapolis along with the Community Alliance of the Far Eastside (CAFE). She worked for Making Connections, an initiative of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Inc., and grew the most professionally through her work with the Central Indiana Community Foundation (CICF) for over 14 years, becoming the Director of Community Leadership. Additionally, she served as an Indianapolis campaign representative for President Barack Obama’s campaigns and for his legacy advocacy group Organizing for Action (OFA). Her work was a big part of her world, often taking her daughter, Blake, along to community meetings and being her firsthand example of a servant leader. In March 2022, Alicia took a leap of faith, becoming an independent consultant and founding her own company, 3-R Consulting, LLC, guided by the principle that Relationships + Resources = Results.

Alicia wed Tommie S. Collins, Sr. on March 29, 2014, and together they created a beautiful, blended family with their sons, Tommie S. Collins, Jr. and Trajan S. Collins, and their daughter, Blake Alexis Hall. Over the last 11 years, their family has made incredible memories together that will be cherished forever.

Alicia was diagnosed with stage 0 breast cancer in 2014, shortly after the wedding, kickstarting her journey as an advocate for breast cancer awareness. After five years in remission, Alicia’s cancer came back as stage II. She remained in treatment and clinical trials until a new diagnosis in May 2024, just after her daughter graduated from college. Alicia maintained unwavering faith in God’s ability to heal and was a warrior throughout her fight. She continued to advocate for resources for herself and others through Pink 4-Ever, Inc. and Community North Hospital Network until the end.

Alicia took her journey home to be with the Lord on the wake of Saturday, October 18, 2025, at the age of fifty-four. Leaving to cherish her memory are her husband, Tommie S. Collins, Sr.; daughter, Blake Alexis Hall, and son, Trajan S. Collins; mother, Sadie A. Barnett; sister, Ashley J. Barnett; daughter-in-law, Angela Collins; granddaughters, Anysha Tyree, Mulani Tyree and Nova Collins; a host of relatives and loved ones. She is preceded in death by her father, Theodore W. Barnett, Jr.; son, Tommie S. Collins, Jr.; mother-in-law, Ida Mae Collins; first-cousins, Brandon Ratliff, Damon Barnett and David ‘Dabo’ Lolla; aunts and uncles near and dear to her heart.

Visitation services will be held at Crown Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery in the Memorial Chapel, located at 700 W. 38th St., Indianapolis, Indiana, 46208. The first visitation will take place on October 30, 2025, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A second visitation is scheduled for October 31, 2025, from 9:00 am to 11:00 am.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the same location on October 31, 2025, beginning at 12:00 pm.