Shirley Ann Collins, 90, passed away January 7, 2022. Born in Noxapater, Mississippi on April 28, 1931 to Jimmie T. and Agnes Inez Patterson, she grew up amongst the rural simplicity of small town life, learning to appreciate hard work and perseverance, skills that served her well. As an only child, she cultivated deep and loving connections with many of her relatives, bonds she kept strong throughout her life.
Among her many jobs while raising her five children, she worked as a bank teller in Memphis, TN, a bookkeeper at N.B. Forrest High School in Jacksonville, and the Activities Director at Moosehaven Retirement Community in Jacksonville. She had an affinity for being a caregiver and after her children were grown she returned to college to fulfill her life-long dream of becoming a registered nurse. She received her nursing degree from the University of South Florida in 1983, embarking on a decades long career in the healthcare industry. Her natural ease and sense of humor made the patients love her and remember her fondly. Many nurses she worked with affectionately referred to her as Mother Shirley. Her priority was always advocating for the best outcome for her patients and she loved sharing the funny, unique, and entertaining anecdotes of being their nurse, remembering each one with fondness. She also found great joy in teaching nursing students at Florida State College of Jacksonville. She worked as a R.N. for many years in Lakeland, FL, Dallas, TX, and Jacksonville, FL before her retirement.
An avid bowler, she was a member of several leagues and won many trophies in the sport. Always up for an adventure, her life was blessed with numerous trips abroad and throughout the United States with her husband. She loved meeting new people and spending time with friends. Each year she proudly displayed her collection of Christmas villages and lovingly hand baked her delicious cakes and cookies for family and friends. She loved angels, anything purple, and her sweet dog, Precious.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Cecil Raymond (Ray) Collins. Survivors include her five children: Jim R. Collins, Jacksonville, Jan Collins Sexton (Carl), Jacksonville, Ann Collins (John), Hoffman Estates, IL, Kim Collins Alexander, Pensacola, and Jil Collins Gartner (Rick), Plano, TX. Other survivors of "Sweetpea" include five grandchildren: Kyle and Kailyn Sexton, Jacksonville, Christopher, Joshua, and Jil Collins, Hoffman Estates, IL, and two great-grandchildren: Blake and Bryce Sexton, Jacksonville as well as extended family.
A visitation for Shirley will be held Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A funeral service will occur Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A graveside service will occur Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. A reception will occur Saturday, January 22, 2022 from 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.
Flowers are welcome, or in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, TN.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Collins family.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18