Mrs. Barbara Jean Boronell Collins

Mrs. Barbara Jean Boronell Collins, age 88, passed away at home in the early morning on Wednesday, July 8, 2026. She was surrounded by the love and support of her family.  Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Grace Church Tampa Palms, 15102 Amberly Drive, Tampa, FL 33647, with Rev. Fr. Christian Villagomeza, Officiating.  Interment will follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 U.S. Highway 301 N, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.

Barbara was born on March 2, 1938, to parents Mario and Dorothy S. Boronell in Tampa, Florida. She was the eldest of four children. Barbara and her siblings grew up in Ybor City. She graduated from Middleton High School and married Theodric Moorehead. She was like a mother to many; however, four biologically. As a military family, they moved extensively, developing friendships everywhere they called home. They finally settled in Rochester, NY, in 1968 to seek greater employment opportunities. After her marriage ended, Barbara returned to Tampa in 1979 to help care for her parents. Her career path then led her to work as a Hillsborough County Bus Driver/Instructor for 22 years. There, she again developed friendships that have lasted a lifetime.

While enjoying one of her passions, bowling, she met, fell in love and married her beloved husband, Dr. Paschal J. Collins. Together, they lived, loved, and enjoyed life for 33 years.

Barbara was a faithful member of St. James Episcopal Church for many years and later joined St. Chad’s Episcopal Church. She consistently served as an usher on the Bishops’
committee, the altar guild, and the newcomers committee. She took great pride in her duties around the church in whatever capacity. She especially enjoyed the vestry retreats at the Day Spring Episcopal Center, where she learned and grew in her faith. Barbara truly loved her church and church family!

Barbara has always been very creative with her hands. She loved to cook, bake, quilt, sew, work in the yard, and was very skilled at canning any kind of fruit, vegetable, meat, and fish. She loved to look good, dress stylishly, and shop! She loved Cadillacs and yellow buses. Barbara was never one to hide her bigger-than-life personality or the various things she enjoyed from the people around her. She could be described as beautiful, an elegant fashionista, the family comedian, and the life of the party. Most of all, regardless of what life may have handed her, she always remained poised and graceful.

She was preceded in death by: her parents; husband, Paschal J. Collins; siblings, Mario R. Boronell and Delores O. Cephas (Charles); and children, Gary E. Moorehead and Salia D. Moorehead.

Leaving with many cherished memories, among those: her son, Gregory W. Moorehead Sr. (Charlyene) of Rochester, NY; daughter, Lillian T. Moorehead (Vincent) of Tampa, FL; daughter, Brionne Washington (Neil) of Brandon, FL; sister, Joyce Madison (Earl) of Orlando, FL; sister-in-law, Jackie Boronell of Plant City, FL; grandchildren, Gregory W. Moorehead Jr. (Kiesha) and Theodric O. Moorehead of Rochester, NY, Deanna D. Akinbajo (Tokunbo) of Farmington, CT, David K. Cooksey (Alba) and Larry D. McBride (Clair) of Boston, MA, Antoinette M. Moorehead and Kiah A. Moorehead of Tampa, FL; great-grandchildren, Corey, Kameron, Diamond (Julius), Trinity, Joshua, Semaj, Chyna, Providence, Makaila, Janae, Darius, Theodric Jr., Dante, Akinde, Kolade, Britneé, Jasmine, Shanelle, Kevin, Kieara, David Jr.; ten great-great grandchildren; beloved Goddaughters, Rachel McCoy and Kathy Brown-Hayes; and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

After living a long, fulfilling, and exciting life, the Lord has called her home. Job well done.

Visitation will be on Monday, July 13, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Ray Williams Funeral Home, 301 N. Howard Avenue, Tampa, FL 33606.

Arrangements entrusted to Ray Williams Funeral Home, Rhodes & Northern, Owners
www.raywilliamsfuneralhome.com

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