Pearl Collins: A Lifetime of Love, Family and Simple Pleasures
Pearl Collins was born in Valdosta, Ga. to a farming family on December 24, 1916. Being the baby of the family, her parents, two brothers, and sister were her world. She grew up in the country and far away from other children her age. She attended the same school from kindergarten through 11th grade at Clyatville School, which was the highest grade possible at that time. She recalls attending church only once a month as their minister was rotated between different churches in the area.
One of Pearl’s earliest memories was singing in front of her church when she was 5 years old. People would come just to hear her sing! She also recalls that living on the farm brought with it many chores. Her primary chore was washing clothes on a rub board with soap that they made from hog cracklings. She said one of the biggest changes she has seen in her lifetime is the evolution of medicine. As a child, she would have to take castor oil any time she was sick.
Pearl’s happiest memories consist of her marriage to Henry Collins and the birth of her 3 children. She and Henry lived together in Germany and Japan while he was in the Army. Henry passed away in 1965 during active duty.
Having celebrated her 107th birthday last December, Pearl never imaged living this long, but she attributes her long life to eating mostly fruits and vegetables. She never cared very much for meat, and she grew up eating off the land.
Ms. Collins joined the Legacy Village family in 2019. We are so happy to have her here with us!
