Ilena (Watson) Collinsworth

Ilena Watson Collinsworth, born July 21, 1932, in Leonia, Florida, to Marion Reddin Watson and Nola Laird Watson, passed away June 11, 2026. Ilena attended Glendale School and Walton High School then graduated from Okaloosa Walton Community College and the University of West Florida. She later taught for 27 years at West DeFuniak Elementary School where she encouraged her students to write their own stories and lovingly compiled their work into keepsake books they treasured. A devoted Christian, Ilena’s faith was grounded in her belief in Jesus Christ. She attended Eucheanna Apostolic Church, and she lived out her faith with quiet consistency: She cooked and sold tickets for the Glendale Volunteer Fire Department fundraisers, delivered food and handwritten Bible verses to nursing home residents, delivered pound cakes to neighbors who could no longer leave their homes. In her later years, she spent much of her time reading Scripture and sharing her hope in Christ with everyone she met. At home, Ilena found joy in growing things, especially her beloved daylilies, and she gardened until the age of 90. She was equally at home in her kitchen, filling it with the scent of cornbread, simmering greens, and the cakes and pies she lovingly made for neighbors, church friends, and anyone who happened to stop by. Though she sometimes appeared stern, she showed affection in practical, nononsense ways. Whether she was slipping a grandchild an ice cream bar, quietly providing clothes to students in need, or ensuring that no one left her home hungry, her love was constant. To those who knew her best, Ilena had a sharp mind, uncanny hearing (much to her children’s dismay), and a quick wit, often gently whispering one-liners that captivated, and sometimes shocked, her audience. She also filled her home with family photographs, each one a story she proudly shared. Ilena will be laid to rest at Glendale Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Her grandsons will serve as pallbearers, with Charles “Bimbo” Birdwell as honorary pallbearer.

Ilena was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Edwin Watson and Burruss Watson. 

She is survived by her children: Linda Wilson (Roger), Wanda Wood (Jim, deceased), Stephen Collinsworth (Barbara), Keith Collinsworth (Toma), and Tareesa Gomillion (Tony). She also 
leaves behind ten grandchildren—Ryan McKenzie, Cory Wood, Tiffany Kruger, Kale Gomillion, Andrew Wood, Morgan Gomillion, Jacob Collinsworth, Jesse Collinsworth, Brent Collinsworth, and Troy Linder—sixteen greatgrandchildren, and two greatgreatgrandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2026 in the chapel of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home, 1474 State Highway 83 North, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32433 beginning at 2:00 p.m. with Minister Joel Davis officiating. A time of visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Committal will follow at Glendale Presbyterian Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, we request that donations be made to St.Jude in Ilena’s name. We would like to extend a very special thank-you to the dedicated teams at Sodalis Assisted Living Facility, Gentiva Hospice, and the helpers who provided her with faithful and loving care. Ilena will be missed by those who loved her, but we rejoice knowing she is now at rest with the saints in Heaven.

Arrangements and services are under the direction of Davis-Watkins Funeral Home of DeFuniak Springs.