Inez Purdie Collins

Published 1:52 am Sunday, April 24, 2011

Inez Purdie Collins quietly crossed over on Sunday evening, March 27, 2011 in Jacksonville Beach, Fl. Born to John L. and Mary Lou P. Purdie on November 15, 1926, in Selma, AL, she graduated from Knox Academy in 1946, moved to Chicago, IL, pursued a career in Beauty and Health Consultancy. She began modeling after graduating from Cleo Johnson Modeling and Charm School and Madame C.J. Walker College of Beauty Culture and eventually opened her own salon, L’ Elegance Boutique.

Inez married the late Earl Collins, Sr. in 1952, became Mom to 5 children and part of the Collins Family Business consortium which included Earl’s Bar-B-Que (Houses) Retail and Wholesale Food Service.

Inez’s Neighborhood Youth Employment Program provided guidance through summer and after school jobs. Among the youths she mentored was Jesse Brown, U S Secretary of Veteran Affairs during Pres Clinton’s Administration. In Fort Wayne, IN, she was known for her Handmade Jewelry and Mary Kay businesses, and as a member of the Turner Chapel A.M.E. Church, she worked tirelessly, even as her health was failing.

Inez’s legacy will be remembered and continued through many including: 3 Daughters, Anne (Chester) Turner, Chicago, Il; Rosemary Brown, San Francisco, CA; and Jeanette Taylor, Chicago, Il; 2 Sons, Earl Collins, Jr., Chicago, IL, and Gordon Collins, Fairfield, California; 3 Sisters, Laura P. Thompson, Detroit, MI, Bernice P. (Alfred) Davis, Selma, AL and Emma P. Wellington, Jacksonville, FL; 2 Brothers, Rufus Purdie and Phillip (Mary)Purdie, Chicago, IL; 4 Sisters-in-Law; Grands; Great-Grands; and a myriad of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Following cremation at the Quinn-Shalz Funeral Home in Jacksonville Beach, FL, there will be a Celebration of Life Service on July 3, 2011 at the Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Selma, AL and a Memorial service in Fort Wayne IN on April 30, 2011.