Paula L. Collins

Mrs. Paula L. Collins, age 76, passed away on Friday, September 12, 2025.

Originally from Utica, New York, she had made Aiken, South Carolina, her home for the past 46 years.

Mrs. Collins was a member of the Catholic Church and previously worked at Aiken Hospital. She was also a dedicated foster parent, caring for 89 children over the years and adopting two of them.

She enjoyed collecting dolls and watching classic television shows in her free time.

A special note about her life: she had a strong bond and heartfelt friendship with the Jackson First Alert Rescue Squad, who regularly transported her to and from her dialysis appointments, ensuring her safety and well-being.

Survivors include her sons, William "Bill" Jones, Jr., Leonard Jones; Charles Weller-Jones, Danny Collins and Michael Collins; her daughter, Sherry Duke; her foster daughter, Becky Bandman; her stepson, Daniel Collins; her brother, Leopold Chieco; and many grandchildren, including Jennifer Marzen, Brittany Jones, and Heather Marzen, Anthony Neira, and several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in Death By: Her parents (Paul Louis Chieco and Ruth Carmella Rinaldi Chieco), her husband (John J. Collins), a grandson (Paul Marzen), a brother (Leonard Chieco), and a sister (Joanna Kelly).

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 1 o'clock in the chapel of Jackson Memorial Funeral Home with Rev. Father Kentigern Aririguzo as the celebrant. Family will receive the friends one hour before the service at the funeral home. Interment will follow at the Aiken Memorial Gardens.

Pallbearers: Charles Weller, Steven Ferguson, Bill Jones, Heather Marzen, Anthony Neira, and Justin Scott.

Honorary Pallbearers: The Jackson First Alert Rescue Squad.