Naomi Collins

Life and Legacy of Mother Naomi Collins

Mother Naomi Collins, age 90, transitioned on Monday, April 20, 2026, at the Rehabilitation Center of Orlando. Though she has departed from this earthly life, her legacy of love, faith, and service will continue to live on in all who knew her.

Naomi Collins was born on July 20, 1935, in Haines City, Florida, to the late Fletcher and Mary Smith. She was one of ten children, growing up surrounded by the love and companionship of six brothers—John Lee Smith, Robert Smith, Clifford Smith, Fletcher Smith, Rufford Smith, and George Smith—and three sisters—Roxie Smith, Lillie Edmond, and Virginia Teal.

From a very young age, Mother Naomi’s life was rooted in faith. Her mother instilled in her the importance of a relationship with God, faithfully taking her to church. At just 12 years old, Mother Naomi accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, beginning a lifelong journey marked by devotion, service, and unwavering belief. At the age of 22, Naomi met the love of her life, the late Elmo Collins. Their union was one of deep love and commitment, lasting 52 beautiful years. Together, they built a life in Avon Park, Florida, where they raised their family and created a home filled with love, faith, and resilience.

Mother Naomi was a devoted mother to six children: Elmira Glaspie (Albert) of Bronx, New York; Armenia Smith (Johnny) of Avon Park, Florida; Regina Jones (Timothy) of Orlando, Florida; Tony Collins of Atlanta, Georgia; Elmo DeCarlo Collins (Darlene) of Orlando, Florida; and her late sons, Leroy Collins and Quincy Leon Collins. Her love extended far beyond motherhood into grandmotherhood, where she poured into the lives of Crystal Renee, Henry Gillespie, Briauna Smith, Jonathan Smith, Jewell Jones, Harmonee Jones, Kemuel Jones (Dalaun), Brittany Collins, Tyshay Watson (Ryan), and Marshay Collins. Her legacy will continue to flourish through her cherished great-grandchildren: Jade, Onyx, Naomi Grace, Amauri, Rayne Willow Watson, Rilyn Ivy Watson, and Reigan Sky Watson. In addition to her biological family, Mother Naomi held a special place in her heart for her God-children—Tina, Anita, and Shaun—as well as a host of nieces, nephews, bonus “heart children,” and countless others who were blessed by her nurturing love, wisdom, and guidance.

Mother Naomi was a woman of remarkable strength and dedication. She faithfully served at Walker Memorial for over 20 years, owned and operated her own business, Collins Beauty Salon, and lovingly cared for numerous families within her community. Yet, her greatest fulfillment came from her service to God. Mother Naomi was a devoted and faithful member of Antioch Temple Church of God in Christ, she served under the leadership of Elder Clarence Black, Elder Johnny McRae, Pastor Diana Sapp, and currently Elder William Reed. Her service in the church spanned decades and roles, including Church Choir Director for over 40 years, District Choir Director, Sunday School Teacher, Sunshine Band Leader, Missionary, and Church Usher/Greeter.

Mother Naomi’s life will eternally stand as a powerful testimony of love, perseverance, and devotion to God. Every life she touched will continue to carry a piece of her spirit—her kindness, her strength, her faith.

"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day."
— 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (KJV)

Public Viewing will be held on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 11:00 a.m. at: Faith Pentecostal House of God located at: 956 West Hal McRae Blvd. Avon Park, Florida 33825.  

Entombment will follow at Lakeview Memorial Gardens.

Services Entrusted To: Victory Life Celebrations Funeral Home & Cremations, LLC located at 90 West Orange Avenue Lake Wales, Florida 33853