COLUMBUS
Judith Ann (Stevens) Collins, 67, died peacefully at her home surrounded by loved ones on June 19 after a heroic 3-year battle with brain cancer. She was born on June 5,1958 in Columbus, Indiana, to Dr. M. Gene and Mrs. Jackie Stevens.
Judy was a 1976 graduate of Columbus North High School where she was an honors student, cheerleader and member of the tennis team. She earned her B.A. degree at Indiana University, where she was a member of the Chi Omega sorority. Judy also earned an M.A in Counseling Education from the University of Central Florida and furthered her education by completing coursework in Education Administration/ Supervision and Leadership from National-Louis University. She worked over two decades as a Counselor and Assistant Principal for the Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida.
Judy and her husband of 25 years, Earnest Collins, moved back to her hometown in 2020 to care for her mother and be closer to family and friends. She was known by many for her adventurous, fun-loving spirit, ready laughter, curiosity, caring heart and willingness to take on a new challenge at a moment’s notice. She was a participant in triathlons, “Muddy Buddy” races, and annual Turkey Trot runs. She enjoyed working on a wide variety of craft projects (quilting, knitting, embroidery). With her beautiful smile and welcoming hugs, she was always someone you looked forward to seeing.
She is survived by her husband, Earnest Collins; her two sons, Jonathon (Brittany) Evans and Christopher Evans; and her stepchildren, Earnest (Tabitha) Collins Jr., Clevon Spencer, Mikiko Boyd, and Qsheba Collins. She is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren, her mother, Jackie Stevens; her sisters, Jackie Sue (Bill) McGinley and Jody (Doug) Evans; and her brother, Jim (Laurel) Stevens. She was preceded in death by her father and sister, Janet Holtkamp.
Memorial Services will be held at the Barkes, Weaver &Glick Funeral Home at
1029 Washington Street on June 28th. There will be a visitation hour starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by the Celebration of Life service starting at 2:00 p.m.; Pastor Adam Smith will officiate. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Judy’s name to the Glioblastoma Foundation.
Condolences and special memories may be shared with the Collins family at barkesweaverglick.com.
