Kerrie Doris Collins

Kerrie Doris Reed Collins passed away peacefully on September 8, 2026, in Columbus, Ohio.

Kerrie was born on April 19, 1953, in Abilene, Texas, to Ernest and Annie Marie (Brown) Reed. In 1973, she met and married Annual C. Collins, Jr., a young United States Air Force serviceman. Kerrie and her young son, Curtis Gindratt, moved to Columbus, Ohio, to begin their life together with A.C. It was there that they would go on to welcome two more children. In June 1979, they welcomed their daughter, Jamila Collins, followed by their son, Rivell Collins, in May 1981.

Kerrie built a long and dedicated 37-year career at White Castle's corporate office before later nurturing young lives, including those of her own grandchildren, at Gahanna Children's College. She was a woman of many gifts and interests, but one of her greatest joys was cooking. She loved taking recipes she learned as a young girl from her mother and blending them with recipes she discovered from others, creating dishes that became uniquely her own. Her love of cooking eventually sparked her entrepreneurial spirit, leading her to establish her own catering business, affectionately known as “Kerrie's Kitchen.”

Kerrie was also a woman of deep faith. She dedicated her life to Jesus at an early age and maintained a strong relationship with her Lord and Savior throughout her life. Her faith was reflected in the way she lived and served others. Whether through church ministries, family functions, friendships, or gatherings with coworkers, Kerrie had a special way of lending her light, her beautiful smile, and her gift of cooking to everything she was a part of.

Beyond her faith and cooking, Kerrie was known for her resourcefulness and determination. She had a knack for fixing just about anything and affectionately earned the nickname “Miss Fix-It.” She also enjoyed gardening and found peace and satisfaction in caring for her lawn. Kerrie was independent, capable, and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Family and relationships were at the heart of Kerrie's life. The family she married into as a 20-year-old young woman remained her family throughout her life. She also developed many lasting friendships that she treasured deeply. Kerrie loved spending time with the people she cared about, creating memories through family gatherings, good food, laughter, and simply being together.

Kerrie leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter, Jamila Collins; her son, Rivell Collins; her granddaughter, Lauren Gindratt; her grandsons, Justyn Harper and Truth Collins; her sister, Delores Saunders of San Antonio, Texas; three sisters-in-love, Patricia Collins, Carolyn Murphy, and Debra Collins; three brothers-in-love, Robert Murphy, Donnie Collins, and Richard Collins; two nieces, Yolanda Hopewell (Richard Hopewell) and Zakiya Rhodes (Donte Rhodes); three nephews, Daryll Lockridge (Beth Lockridge), Faron Lockridge (Dana Lockridge), and Tau Murphy; and one very special nephew, Brandon Lockridge (Rachel Lockridge). She also leaves behind a host of cousins, including her very special cousin, Lyssa Placide of Abilene, Texas, along with many beloved great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and loved ones.

Kerrie was preceded in death by her son, Curtis Gindratt; her father, Ernest Reed; and her mother, Annie Marie Newman.

Those who knew Kerrie will remember her for her unwavering love of family and friends, her beautiful smile, her strength, and her willingness to serve others. Many will also remember her through the food she lovingly prepared and the dishes that became staples of family gatherings—her famous chicken salad, potato salad, chili pie, and strawberry Jell-O cake, just to name a few.

Kerrie leaves behind a legacy of faith, strength, independence, service, family, and love. Her life was a testament to the importance of nurturing the people around her, using the gifts God gave her, and finding joy in the simple things that brought people together.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to family and friends, near and far, for the love, care, prayers, and support extended to Kerrie's children and family during this time. Your presence, prayers, calls, messages, and acts of kindness have been a source of comfort and strength.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.”

Proverbs 3:5–7

Kerrie's memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who loved her.