Geraldine Neilan passed away Sunday, January 3, 2016.

Geraldine Collins Neilan was born in Asheville, North Carolina, to Hugh A. Collins and Paralee Netherton Collins. “Jerry” as she was affectionately known, will be missed in this life by those who knew, loved and cared for her as she has entered into eternal life after a long struggle with health problems.

She retired from a career in the teaching profession beginning in West Virginia and continuing until she retired in Hollywood, Florida. While caring for her mother, she met and married Emmitt Neilan, and after the death of her mother and several moves, they relocated to Milton, Florida, to be close to her now deceased brother Ben and other siblings now passed away.

As members of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Jerry served in several capacities in various groups including the Ladies Society, and The Knights of Columbus Auxiliary, as well as, becoming house keeper for the rectory until her husband’s and her own ill health intervened. Geraldine was being cared for at Pruitt Health Facility, where she made many very kind and caring friends among residents and staff alike.

She is survived by her twin brother Gerald “Bud” Collins (Liz) of Sarasota, Florida; Douglas “Mac” Arthur Collins (Edie) of South Carolina; Dudley Collins (Joyce) of South Florida; the entire Collins family of Morgantown, North Carolina, and many, many loving nieces, nephews and close friends.

A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, January 9, 2016, at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Milton. Rosary at 9:30 a.m. Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. prior to the services. Lewis Funeral Home in Milton has been entrusted with arrangements.

Contributions can to made in her name to the Muscular Dystrophy Association: MDA : http://www.mda.org/ or to Gallaudet University http://giving.gallaudet.edu/.