Jennifer Collins Jenkins

Jennifer Leah Collins, born December 2, 1987, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of her husband, family, and dear friends.

Born in Greensboro, North Carolina, Jennifer attended Guilford and Forsyth County Public Schools, where she excelled in track and field, dance, and band, proudly playing the clarinet. She was also a member of the National Honor Society. From an early age, Jennifer’s competitive spirit and natural leadership shone brightly. As the youngest sibling, she loved playing with her brother and sister, Jason and Jessica, and never backed down from a challenge—often happily taking on the role of “the boss.”

Jennifer cherished family traditions and especially loved the holiday season. Christmas was her favorite time of year, and she treasured celebrating in Maryland with her mother’s family and spending Thanksgiving with her father’s family. As she became a wife and mother, her love for the holidays only deepened. She found joy in planning special meals, selecting thoughtful gifts, and creating treasured memories for her husband, daughters, and extended family.

During her teenage and college years, Jennifer worked at her beloved Chick-fil-A, where she developed the strong work ethic and servant-hearted spirit that would guide her throughout her professional life in restaurant management and human resources.

Jennifer attended North Carolina A&T State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and Secondary Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Matthew, beginning a beautiful journey together that would span many adventures and places they called home.

Jennifer had a smile that could light up a room along with an infectious laugh. She valued health, fitness, and community. Together, she and Matthew became passionate members of the CrossFit community, building lifelong friendships and founding Cleans for A Cure, an organization dedicated to saving lives, improving lives, and helping find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

In 2011, Jennifer married Matthew, the love of her life. Their journey together began in North Carolina and eventually led them to the West coast. While living in Huntington Beach, California, they welcomed their first daughter, Hunter Grace, and Jennifer embraced motherhood with immense joy and devotion. In 2019, the family moved to Gilbert, Arizona, and in 2021 they welcomed their second daughter, Harper Noelle. Jennifer treasured being a stay-at-home mother, pouring endless love, care, and encouragement into the lives of her girls, who were truly her greatest joy.

Jennifer shared a deep and beautiful love with Matthew. Together they filled their lives with adventure, laughter, and unforgettable experiences. As a daughter and sister, she gave and received unconditional love. As an aunt, she inspired her nieces through her strength, determination, and high standards, leaving a legacy that will continue to guide them. As a friend, Jennifer’s warm spirit, compassion, and radiant personality brought out the very best in everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Jennifer accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age, and her faith remained a constant source of strength throughout her life. Through both joyful and difficult seasons, she carried herself with grace, resilience, and unwavering trust in God. She often created and wore bracelets inscribed with healing scriptures as daily reminders of His promises and faithfulness.

Jennifer will be deeply missed and forever loved. Her family and friends will continue to look for signs of her presence in the beauty of everyday life and will forever cherish the love, laughter, and memories she shared with them.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Matthew; her daughters, Hunter and Harper; parents, Rodney and Tracey Collins; grandmothers, Eva Collins and Margaret House; sister, Jessica (Keith) Dillon; brother, Jason Collins; parents-in-law, Stanley and Lori Jenkins; brother-in-law, Marques Jenkins; nieces, Kennedy Dillon and Hayden Jenkins; Goddaughter, Chiloh Sumter, and a host of relatives and very special friends.

Visitation will be held Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. MST, followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m. Interment and a Reception will follow. All will be held at Gilbert Memorial Park, 2100 East Queen Creek Road, Gilbert, Arizona. A memorial service will be held on June 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Word of Life Tabernacle, 1801 Deep River Road, High Point, North Carolina.

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