Regina Collins

Ms. Regina "Gina' Collins was born on October 11, 1961 to Senior and Nealie Collins in Alexandria, Louisiana. Gina received her formal education in Alexandria and graduated from Peabody Magnet High School. After graduation, Gina attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Although her time at LSU was productive, she believed that her path lay elsewhere, thus she returned home after two years and began her career at CLECO.

Dedication was in Gina's DNA and as a result she remained employed by CLECO for over 30 years. She began at the bottom answering the phones for emergency outages on the night shift. After a year, she graduated to being a member of the call center, assisting with billing. Eventually, Gina became the manager of the entire call center and served in that capacity until her retirement. She spent many nights at hotels during hurricane season making sure those she was servicing were okay. That was her motherly instinct kicking in and that instinct would soon be required for her most important and heartfelt calling - being Niki's mother.

Gina was a single mom and her devotion to Niki knew no bounds. Her daughter never wanted for anything, not just physically, but Gina made sure she was present for her child. She attended all school functions and supported Niki in all her aspirations. No vacation or family function was sacrificed. It is amazing that she was able to do all this - one person - one truly remarkable person.

At her core, Gina was the ultimate caregiver. She took care of her family - spiritually (prayers and handholding), financially (filling in gaps and making next steps possible), and mentally (helping to navigate the future) - Gina was essentially the glue that held it all together. After her retirement from CLECO, Gina relocated to Houston. Her rationale for the move - to give Niki more opportunity and to help take care of her autistic nephew, Ken. She gave and then gave some more. Her desire was to "love on her family" and that she did. Not just for her immediate family but for all those that knew her. As a result, she is referred to as "Our Girl"

Our hearts are heavy with the thought of life without Gina. She's our glue and we are saddened that "Our Girl" will not be with us physically. We do however rejoice in the fact that Gina believed in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She is now resting with her mom and other loved ones that are with Jesus. In our hearts we know that Gina will never be as healed on earth as she is now. We love "Our Girl", but we know He loves her more.

Gina leaves to cherish her memory Alysia (loving daughter), 2 sisters, Susan Simpson (Kenneth)and Tracy Collins; many extended family members, and friends. Gina was also a second mother to Lela Jackson and the Godparent of Kenrick Hall. They will also hold their memories of her close.

We love you, Gina. You will never be forgotten. You will forever be "OUR GIRL".

~Please keep the family in prayer.

~Miller & Hill "The Funeral Directors"