Johnnie Mae Collins

Mrs. Johnnie Mae Collins was born June 7th, 1935, in Tuskegee, Alabama to Henry Pace and Goldree Carter, and was the second of three children. Johnnie resided in Tuskegee, Alabama through her early adulthood, graduating from Macon County High School in Macon County Alabama.

Johnnie welcomed her one and only child Rita (Carter) Gatheright before she relocated to Chicago, Illinois where she worked an admissions clerk at Children’s Memorial Hospital for 30 years, until her retirement in 2000 and relocation to Jefferson City, Missouri in 2004. During her time in Chicago, she met Lee Dester Collins and wed in holy matrimony on September 27th, 1968, and remained married until death they parted.

Johnnie was affectionally known as a devout Christian, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Her relationships with associates were cherished and second only to God. She loved to cook, enjoyed spending time with her family and preparing delicious meals. Johnnie dressed immaculately, and prided herself with being a honest, natural, witty, hardworking, strong, woman, and she passed this knowledge to her daughter, and granddaughters.

She was a dedicated member of Second Baptist Church where she served as a Deacon’s wife and Deaconess. She loved reading the bible, and applied the scriptures to her daily life and encouraged her children to do the same. Johnnie departed this earth on January 28th, 2024 and was preceded in death by her parents, and brother Sam Carter.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Lee Dester Collins, daughter Rita Gatheright (Joe), granddaughters Kimberly Ann (Tony) Walker, Tina Marie (Mike) Cole; six great-grandchildren Janae (Breon) Gladden, Jordyn Walker, Antonio Walker, Miyah Cole, Cameron Cole, and Michael Cole Jr.; three great grandchildren Elijah Gatheright, Marlee Walker, and Breon Gladden Jr.; and one brother Willie (Emma) Carter, and a host nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

1st Corinthians 14;40 says “Let all things be done decently and in order”. And that is how she lived her life. We thank God for her, and a life well lived.

Visitation will be from 11-11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Second Baptist Church in Jefferson City.

Funeral services will be at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, February 3, 2024, at Second Baptist Church with the Rev. Cornell Sudduth, Sr. officiating.

Burial will be in Hawthorn Memorial Gardens.

Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City.  trimblefuenrals.com