Moultrie, Ga. (Dec. 2024) — Legacy Village of Park Regency’s oldest resident, Pearl Collins, will celebrate her 108 th birthday on December 24, 2024. Ms. Collins joined the family at Park Regency in 2019, at the age of 102, when her daughter, Bonnie, convinced her to move in with her, and she has been a beloved presence and resident ever since.
Ms. Collins was born into a farming family in 1916, in Valdosta, Georgia. Growing up in the countryside, her parents and siblings were her entire world. She is proud to have completed her K-12 education at Clyattville School. Ms. Collins remembers attending church just once a month, as the minister rotated among different congregations. Some of her earliest memories involve singing in the front pew of her church and washing clothes on a rub board using homemade soap made from hog cracklings. She recalls taking castor oil when she was sick and the excitement of her family’s first radio. Among her cherished childhood gifts was a large doll that she adored.
Upon reflection on her life, her happiest memories revolve around her marriage to Henry Collins and the joy of raising their children, Bonnie, Henry and Rita. Mr. Collins served as a Sergeant in the military, and the family moved often. Ms. Collins made it her mission to make each new house a home. She treasures her family deeply and made it a mission to always welcome her children’s friends as well. A nature enthusiast, she made sure her children spent a lot of time outside, teaching them about nature and the great outdoors. Ms. Collins also has the joy of being grandmother to two grandchildren.
When her husband passed away, Ms. Collins worked in the city school cafeteria. When she was approached by Legacy Senior Living on her 105 th birthday with the opportunity of choosing a cause to donate $1,105 in her name, she chose Georgia Christian School cafeteria. Her youngest daughter, Rita, attended the school, and she was honored and thrilled to be able to present the gift to the school and help another generation receive quality education. Also, on her 105 th birthday, Moultrie Governor Brian Kemp surprised Ms. Collins with a decree that December 24, 2021 will be ‘Pearl Collins Day’ in Moultrie.
Never expecting to live this long, she attributes her longevity to a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, having grown up eating from the land and never having much fondness for meat. When asked about her favorite part of living at Legacy Village at Park Regency, Ms. Collins says she loves the staff, the arts and crafts, and of course, Bingo! She is certainly a gentle heart but a force to be reckoned with! Legacy Village at Park Regency wishes Ms. Collins a very happy 108 th birthday.
