ILION- Brittie Geraldine "Jerry" Yule Collins, age 91, passed away January 30, 2021, with the comfort of her loving family at her side, a casualty of the COVID-19 pandemic. Brittie was born April 21, 1929 in Pike County, Mississippi, daughter of the late Herbert E. and Minnie E. (Boyte) East. Brittie had a hardscrabble childhood growing up in Brookhaven, MS but would go on to achieve much in her life. On September 28, 1944 she was united in marriage to Curtis G. Yule, who was stationed at Camp Van Dorn, MS. They married in Magnolia, MS and then moved to New York where she raised her ten children. She established homes in Jordanville, Ilion, and Mohawk, NY. Throughout her life she was employed in many capacities and would often hold multiple jobs at one time. She was never one to shy away from hard work. In her early years she waitressed at popular Mohawk Valley diners such as The Empire Diner and the Little Chief, followed by manufacturing jobs at UNIVAC and General Electric. At one time she worked as a Team Manager for Tupperware. Many of us remember helping her package orders as well as the perks of having 2 phone lines and a station wagon with the Tupperware logo on the side. She was employed for many years as a ward clerk at Children's Hospital in Utica, then as an optometrist technician in Herkimer and as a transcriptionist at Herkimer County Public Health. Her final career would be as a realtor with Bruce Ward. She loved nothing better than helping people to find their first homes. Along with her work she pursued her education, proudly culminating in anA.S. in Business from Herkimer County Community College. Through these years of raising her children and working she would develop many good friends and gain respect in the community. After retirement she married Robert Collins of Mohawk on August 1, 2008 with whom she spent many happy years until his death on April 4, 2020. Brittie could not be singularly typecast as just a mother but she herself would consider it her greatest achievement. Although Brittie was imperfect, she was perfect to us, because we loved her. She was always searching, striving to better her life, our lives. As the matriarch of our family, she was a force to be reckoned with; strong-willed and opinionated, facing every obstacle with sheer self-determination. She was uniquely special to each of us; to be loved by her was a blessing. She was selflessly devoted to her family and treasured her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. When she walked into a room, she commanded your attention; she had a presence that others were drawn to. Although transplanted to the north she remained a true southern belle. She would never lose her southern drawl or her southern charm. Her laugh, quick wit, sparkling blue eyes, and her singing in the kitchen as she cooked for us are memories we will cherish. Her meals (and her desserts) were not only delicious but were the center point around which we gathered as a family. Her goodbyes were long,and she always said, "I love you." She stood in the doorway, waving until you turned the corner and were long out of sight. Although she wanted her children close she understood that it was important for us to spread our wings. We were not ready for this last goodbye. Now as you spread your wings, dear mother, know that we hold you close in our hearts. A mother, a friend, a guardian, a shining star: your legacy continues in us. We loveyou Mom, Gramma, Great Gramma. In the words of one of her favorite singers, Nat King Cole, a song that she would often sing, "Unforgettable that's what you are; unforgettable tho' near or far…unforgettable in every way and forever more that's how you'll stay". Surviving are her nine children: Linda Jones (Robert), Mohave, AZ; James Yule (Elizabeth), Church Road, VA; Carol O'Neill, Frankfort, NY; John Yule, Hernando, FL; Candia Keehfus(Thomas) Jamesville, NY; Donald Yule (Lynda) Clinton, MS;Catherine Wintle (Bruce), Frankfort, NY; Joseph Yule (Joanna), Plano, TX; Dr. Jeffery Yule (Erin), Saint George, UT; seventeen grandchildren: Charmaine, Dylan, Heather, Victoria, Robert, Mathew, Emily, John Curtis, Adam, Leslie, Mac, Joshua, Shannon, Brittie Alice, Sarah, Jenna, Julia; eighteen great grandchildren; and her beloved cousins, Joanne and Johnny Marie; close friend Penny Pendrak, as well as her cats - Tommy and Petunia. She was preceded in death by her son DanielJoseph Yule in 2012, husband Curtis in 2000, sister, Sarah Margaret Shaw in 1993, and brother Herbert "Bobby" East in 2003 and a great-grandson, Justin Hochman. Special thanks to the caring staff at St. Luke's Hosp and The Abraham House for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Funeral Services were provided by the Fenner Funeral Home, Herkimer NY who Brittie also considered friends. Private

Thursday, February 25, 2021