Rita Ann Collins

Rita was born May 28, 1947, to Robert and Fannie (Ockenhouse) Williams, in Wilkes-Barre, PA. Rita met her husband Joseph through her twin brother who was in the navy with him. They were married on July 8, 1967, and were together for 48 years until his passing in 2015. They moved several times around the United States and had three children David, Steven and Cindy, finally settling in Jacksonville, FL. When her children were young, she filled her time caring for them and other children in her home. Rita was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday School and was the Youth Coordinator, she worked in the DCPS system at Lone Star Elementary, Suzie Tolbert and finally at Sandalwood High School in the Special Education department until her retirement. Upon her retirement she traveled the world with her husband Joe who after retiring from the US Navy continued to work as a VLS Engineer. She spent time in Germany, Japan, Holland, and South Korea. During those travels, she taught English classes and always found a Church and Sunday School to become a part of. Rita’s love of family and children, while always evident, grew to new heights, when her children started having her grandbabies. There was not much they could do wrong, there was nothing she wouldn’t do for them, and she loved spending time with them. She even “adopted” grandchildren in every country she traveled to. She quit introducing herself as Rita and just introduced herself to everyone as “NANA”. Her love, kindness and infectious laugh will be forever missed by those that knew her. She will be remembered for her cheerful personality, willingness to help others and giving spirit.

Rita was predeceased by her parents Robert and Fannie Williams, her sister, Dora Morton, her Husband Joseph F. Collins, Son David A. Collins and Daughter Cindy L. Hargis. She is survived by her twin brother Robert Williams and his wife Sandy, son Steven Collins and wife Nancy, daughter-in-law, Danielle Horsley and husband Todd. Grandchildren, Emily Collins (Jason), Parker Collins (Rachel), Shelby Horsley, Travis Collins (Kelsey), Phillip Collins, Taylyn Descoteaux (Luc), David Collins, Hannah Hargis (Kayla) and Carvanna Hargis (David), great grandchildren, Tatum and Tessa Collins, Aki Collins, Dahlia Cortez and Liam Descoteaux, along with many loving nieces and nephews.

Services and interment will be held on a later date at the Jacksonville National Cemetery, 4083 Lannie Road, Jacksonville, FL 32218. If you would like to do something in Memory of Rita, spend some time with your family or do something kind for someone.