Phyllis Acosta Collins

Phyllis Acosta Collins, 86, passed away peacefully on July 22, 2026, after a courageous journey with lung cancer. She was diagnosed in October 2024 and faced her illness with strength, grace, and resilience.

Born on December 11, 1939, in Golden Meadow, Louisiana, Phyllis lived a life filled with love, adventure, and cherished memories shared with her family and friends.

A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, Phyllis was known for her caring heart, gentle spirit, and the love she poured into the lives of those around her. Her family was her greatest joy, and she treasured every moment spent surrounded by the people she loved.

Phyllis shared 57 beautiful years of marriage with her beloved husband, Leonce Joseph Collins. Their life together was built on love, commitment, and countless memories created throughout the years.

Phyllis embraced life fully and enjoyed the experiences that made each chapter special. She and Leonce spent 24 wonderful years living in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where she enjoyed the culture, history, and unique spirit of the city she loved. In May 2021, Phyllis and Leonce moved to Madison, Mississippi, to be closer to their daughters, beginning a new chapter surrounded by family and continuing to create cherished memories together.

Phyllis had a love for travel and enjoyed exploring new places, experiencing new adventures, and making lasting memories along the way. She also found great joy in caring for others, especially through the meals she lovingly prepared. She was an amazing cook who brought family and friends together around the table, creating not only delicious meals but also moments of connection, laughter, and love.

She leaves behind her children: Bonnie Wright, David Terrebonne, Celeste Langlois (David), James Collins (Laura), and Lance Collins. She was a proud and loving grandmother to six grandchildren, a cherished great-grandmother to ten great-grandchildren, and a blessed great-great-grandmother to one great-great-grandchild.

She is also survived by her siblings, Gail Guidry and Freddie Acosta Jr., along with extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

Phyllis was preceded in death by her parents, Yvonne Jeanne Rebstock Acosta and Frederick Joseph Acosta Sr., and her sister, Rema Chiasson.

Phyllis will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, strength, and unwavering love for her family. The meals she prepared, the places she traveled, the memories she created, and the love she gave so freely will continue to live on through the generations who were blessed to know her.

Though she will be deeply missed, Phyllis’s legacy of love, adventure, and devotion will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

A visitation is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25th at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 127 Church Road, Madison, Mississippi, 39110.

Flowers are welcome. If you would prefer, memorial donations may be made in Phyllis’s honor to AccentCare Hospice at (601)-898-0230.