Dr. Leona Belle Collins was born September 12, 1943 in Mexico, Missouri to the union of Jessie and Fred Jones. She received her early education in the Missouri Public School System. She received her Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education/Elementary Education from Chicago State University in 1980. She earned a Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Chicago State University in 1981. In 1999 she earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Adult Learning and Development from Bowling Green State University.
A passionate educator, she cultivated students from kindergarten through undergraduate and graduate levels. She held numerous as Academic Advisor positions at several universities and colleges as well as administrative experience as Director of Multicultural Student Services and Minority Affairs Director for St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN and Luther College in Decorah, IA.
A devout member of Shalom Baptist Church, she assisted the church in every way possible to include spearheading a church college program specifically geared to assist young adults navigate the hurdles gaining a college education.
Dr. Leona Collins career and life’s work were a direct reflection of her love for her fellow man and women. Her heart was only full when she was helping others. Leona was always more concerned about the well being of others than she was for her own and proved this not by words alone, but by her endless and untiring deeds.
Dr. Leona Collins departed this life on November 23, 2015 surrounded by her loved ones. She will be forever missed as a mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, family member, friend, educator and leader.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mae Baldwin and Fred O Jones Jr; and brother, Edward Lee Jones.
She leaves to cherish loving memories her son, Lieutenant Colonel Daryl (Gina) Collins of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; brother, Joseph (Liz) Baldwin of Montgomery, Alabama; granddaughter, Jayda Collins of Cedarburg, Wisconsin; uncle, James Black of Mexico, Missouri; niece, Vicki Grant of Raleigh, North Carolina; cousins, Leroy (Sharon) Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, Charles Davis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Laurice (Alex) Moore-Cook of Mexico, Missouri, Ettress (John) Stingly or Omaha, Nebraska, Finiece Lucas of Omaha, Nebraska, Dominique (Odis) Moore-Hunter of Bowling Green, Ohio, Erianne Sherrod of Bowling Green, Ohio and host of other relatives and friends.
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