Julie Catherine Collins

Julie was born on November 2, 1950, to George W. and Essie B. Reid in Tuskegee, Alabama. She spent her younger years in Montgomery, Alabama, where she was raised by her grandmother Georgia Rollins (deceased). Julie accepted Christ as Lord at a young age.

Julie started her corporate career at Malnove of Florida as an Administrative Assistant. Her caring heart for people and her gift of relating to others led her to a career opportunity with the NAACP, WVOJ Radio Station, and culminating at Sysco. Julie enjoyed all of her jobs, but most of all she enjoyed the many people she encountered and sharing their lives. Though she was not gifted in the arts, entertainment, or academia, she excelled in unconditional love and openly welcoming all. Most notable was Julie being honored with Julie Collins Day by Mayor Alvin Brown on August 6, 2012, for her devotion to impacting the lives of others as well as many contributions made to the community.

She met Milton Collins while waitressing at the Regal Cafe in Montgomery, Alabama and shortly afterward relocated to Atlanta, Georgia for a few years, and then finally settled in Jacksonville, Florida. She rededicated her life to the Lord a few years later and walked lovingly in His grace.

Julie and Milton (Sam) Collins were married on August 7, 1978. They were blessed to have 3 children, John DiAngelo Wright (deceased), Milton Samuel Wright, and Adrienne Michelle Wright. Sam lovingly and unconditionally embraced and brought into sonship, Donald Lester Wright Jr, Julie’s eldest, as his own, so much so that he and Julie, out of care choose to give his children the last name Wright. The family was always so greatly important to her as she enjoyed many fond memories with them.

Julie was an advocate and champion for overcoming life circumstances and sought to pour into everyone she encountered. Julie lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence, a true warrior of unconditional love. To her children, she brought many laughs and curious smiles with her eclectic clothing ensembles. She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness. Her favorite color was teal, we would like her celebration of life to be full of vibrancy, color, and spirit-lifting music. We will miss her greatly.

Julie was preceded in death by her mother Essie Bell (Benton) Reid, father George Washington Reid, grandfather Henry Rollins, Grandmother Georgia Rollins, husband Milton Collins, son John DiAngelo Wright, brothers Jimmie Reid, Rivers Reid, and Hency Reid.

She is survived by sons Donald L. Wright Jr, and Milton S. Wright, daughter Adrienne M. Wright, sisters Gloria McDaniels, Betty Reid, Bennie Wright and Mary Reid, an uncle, as well as a host of sisters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces, dear cousins, and family-friends.

The family requests that cards be sent to Adrienne Wright at 1659 Avenger Lane, Jacksonville, FL, 32221. Flowers can be sent to Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205.

There will be a viewing from 5pm until 7pm on Thursday, March 2, 2023. The Going Home service will be at 2pm on Friday, March 3, 2032 at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205 with Committal service to follow at the cemetery onsite at the funeral home. The family is wearing teal to honor Julie and welcomes all that would like to likewise display, please know this is not a requirement as we wish not to burden anyone.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Collins family.