Obituaries

Claudette Collins

Claudette Collins, beloved wife, daughter, parent and grandparent, passed away on Thursday, June 23, 2023, in Chicago, Illinois at the age 67. That day, the clouds lifted, and her gentle soul was ushered to heaven.

Born October 25, 1955, Claudette grew up in Chicago, Illinois. The daughter of Claude and Fannie Mae Griffin and sister of Bernice Williams, Claudette was born with a playful spirit and naturally brought joy to everyone around her.

Claudette graduated from King High School in 1973. She then enrolled at Chicago State University, where she obtained her B.S. in Early Childhood Education. She also earned her Master’s Degree in Education with a focus on guidance counseling in 2009 from Cambridge College. She began her professional career as a claims adjuster at Craig Phelps Trustee for four years before embarking on her 30-plus year career as an educator and guidance counselor.

From 1985 to 1987, she taught third, fourth, and fifth grade students at Chicago Public Schools. In the later part of 1987 to 1992, Claudette taught at St. Roman Catholic School and in the fall of 1992 until 2000, she taught at St. Ambrose Catholic School. After leaving the Catholic School system, she returned to Chicago Public Schools and taught until her retirement in 2019.

She met Eddie Collins through a mutual friend, and they married in 1984. For 39 years, Eddie and Claudette, shared a partnership based on love, faith and respect. The beloved wife of the now deceased Eddie Collins, Claudette was also the devoted mother of Monique Griffin and Christopher Collins and grandmother of Xavier Griffin. She was preceded in death by her loving father, Claude Griffin and sister, Bernice Williams.

Claudette held deep affection for her niece and nephew Stephen Maduli-Williams (Denise) and Stephanie Williams. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Claudette’s cousins, Bell and Bernardine and lifelong friends Larry, Elbert, Cookie, and Willie Ed who were a source of enduring love during Claudette’s life and support during these challenging times.

Claudette is also survived by a whole host of family and close friends, all of whom she managed to touch deeply with her kindness and joyful spirit.