Your presence we miss, your memory we treasure, loving you always, forgetting you never.”
Obituary
On Monday May 6th, 2024, at 81 years of age, Bertha Nell Collins transitioned after a long battle with cancer in San Jose, California.
Bertha Nell Collins was born on February 11th, 1943 in Anniston, Alabama. She was the second child of Horace and Elizabeth Jackson. Bertha had one older brother named Horace. At 11 years of age, she moved to the Lakeview neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Bertha attended Aptos Jr. High School and George Washington High School where she forged friendships of a lifetime.
At 18 years old, she married Thomas Reuben Collins. They welcomed their first child Vicki Lynn in 1961. In 1962, they welcomed their son Anthony David. Throughout her life, Bertha greatly influenced loved ones with her contagious positivity and beautiful social charm. She was known to be the heart and soul of the party, and an avid sports fan.
In 1989, she re-located to South Lake Tahoe. In 2004, she moved to San Jose to be closer to her children and grandchildren. Throughout the later half of her life, Bertha dedicated much of her time to her four grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren who she cherished dearly. Bertha also had a significant impact on the lives of many other children during her time as a Yard Duty Officer in public schools across South San Jose.
Bertha is survived by her two children: Vicki Collins and Anthony Collins. Four grandchildren: Ryan Collins,
Désirée Collins, Kaitlyn Collins, and Eboni Collins. And two great-grandchildren: Kaleb Collins and Maya Collins.
Bertha is preceded by her mother Elizabeth Jackson, her father Horace Jackson, and her brother Horace Jackson.
Gallery
Memory wall
Growing up together was the best part of my life. Knowing every weekend (and if we were lucky, some times during the week) we would be able to see each other was the highlight for me. The togetherness was unmatched. The Andersons, Broussards and Collins (A,B,C’s) was the backdrop of our lives. Auntie Bertha making enchiladas on Friday nights. Betty having a fish fry on Saturdays and I honestly don’t remember what my mom made in particular, but I know it was good. Auntie Bertha and Uncle Thomas taking us to the Brand new McDonalds on Ocean ave. Auntie Bertha having Easter egg hunts in their backyard, was absolutely the best. Her nurturing soul and the calm way she approached situations will always be appreciated by me. If you were fortunate enough to have been nurtured by her, consider yourself lucky cause ladies like her are rare.
Rest well my dear Auntie, you are now amongst the best! Love 💕 you much!
I am sending my condolences. Aunt Bertha will be missed. I loved her. She will be missed.
Take care.
Love forever,
Thomas Ray Collins
Good times at Marie Calendars😊
Rest In Peace 🌹🌹🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾
Thomas Family
Love Lanida
