Julia Collis, Julia Lystra Collis, Ms. Collis, Julia Ash, Julia Ash Collis, Aunt Julia, Aunt Lystra, Auntie, Mommy and Grammy. These were a few of the names that were lovingly used to refer to one of the most dynamic, phenomenal and outstanding women who we are gathered here this afternoon to celebrate, exalt, honor and pay tribute for a life well lived. Tonight, we are going to refer to her affectionately as our “Aunt Julia”.
Aunt Julia was born on July 28, 1944 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago to the late Hilton Ash and Rita Rodriguez. A former school teacher, Aunt Julia graduated from Molloy College, with a degree in Theology. She was also certified as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor.
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A proud national of Trinidad & Tobago, Aunt Julia embraced the rich heritage and culture of her Caribbean roots. She had a special love for steelpan music, and together with Hawks International, she was a staunch advocate for having the steelpan placed on the Trinidad & Tobago flag. Aunt Julia migrated to the United States in the mid-sixties where she embarked on a herculean and relentless journey to elevate and promote the Caribbean-American community at large. She knew the importance of being politically involved and the power of a single vote. As such, her palatial home in the Historic District of Ditmas Park was the venue of many fundraisers, gatherings and meetings where she hosted numerous local and foreign notable political and elected officials and dignitaries such as: former Prime Ministers of Trinidad and Tobago; former Governor of New York, Mario Como; former Mayor of New York, David Dinkins; former Brooklyn District Attorney, Joe Hynes; former Assemblyman, Nick Perry; former City Council Members, Dr. Una S.T. Clarke and Dr. Mathieu Eugene; Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke; New York Attorney General, Letitia James; New York Public Advocate Jumaane Williams; State Senator Kevin Parker and Assemblywoman Latrice Walker to name a few.
Aunt Julia’s involvement in State and City politics was extensive and instrumental. She served as a Liaison for the 40th Councilmanic District and was also a Congressional Liaison for the 9th Congressional District under the direction of Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. She was a designated New York State
Ombudsman with the Department of Aging and was known as a resolute and fervent proponent and protector of the rights and well-being of seniors.
Beyond politics, Aunt Julia was a successful entrepreneur, having broken down the glass ceiling, she was the owner of Aristocrat Manor, a once prominent and popular nightlife establishment in Brooklyn. She also owned several businesses and real estate properties. Aunt Julia was a tireless activist, advocate and mentor, making service to others a personal priority. She was actively involved in numerous political and civic organizations. She served as the past President of the Renaissance Lions Club, Board Member of the Caribbean American Community Comprehensive Center, Governing member of the National Women’s Political Caucus, Life Member of the Folk Arts Institute, Member of the League of Women Voters, Member of the Progressive Democratic Political Association, Member of Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Member of the National Association of Women, ACCORN and the Working Family Party.
In recognition of her stellar service, volunteerism and philanthropic contributions to her community at large, Aunt Julia was very proud and honored to be the recipient of numerous awards, proclamations and citations such as: Trinidad & Tobago National Heritage Award; Sesame Flyers International, Inc., Award of Excellence; New York City Pacesetter Award; Women’s History Makers Award; Women of Distinction Award; Women Celebrating Women Award; Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce & Industry Business and Community Advocate Award; Mid-Brooklyn Activist Humanitarian Award, and several Congressional, Senatorial, Assembly, Mayoral and City Council Proclamations and Citations.
As a devout Catholic and Lector, up until her hospitalization, Aunt Julia attended daily Mass at her Parish Church Holy Innocents, where she was a spiritual force working tirelessly to unite the church’s diverse members. Her faith was a guiding light throughout her life, instilling in her a deep sense of compassion and the bona fide belief that God is Good all the time and that with God, all things are possible. There are several individuals in this room who would testify unabashedly, that they were the beneficiaries of Aunt Julia’s fervent Prayers. To many, she was known as a true Prayer Warrior. Aunt Julia will be remembered as a Woman of God, a stalwart in the Caribbean community, a tireless advocate for equality and justice, and a compassionate individual who left an indelible impression on all whose lives she touched.
Aunt Julia transitioned on May 19, 2024 to meet her Lord and Savior. She leaves to mourn and treasure her memory: her daughter Vanda Karlyn-Dale Collins, her granddaughters Rayven-Nikkita Demi Collins, Raynielle-Njeri Dara Collins, Rayheann-NaDejda Dena Collins, and Renni-Natalya DiArriana Collins, her great-grandson Jaxson-Kai Collins McComas, several nieces including Rhonda Bristol-Samuel and Hon. Sylvia G. Ash, nephews Dennis Russel Bristol and Roger Bristol, several grand-nieces and grand-nephews, adopted nieces Andrea Dawes and Marie Joseph, adopted nephew Herbert Terry and numerous other relatives and friends who loved her dearly. Her presence will be profoundly missed, and the essence of her spirit will continue to inspire generations to come. She fought the good fight, she finished the race and, without a doubt, she kept the faith.
Remembering Julia Lystra Collis – Message from Mayor Adams
I was so saddened to have learned of the passing of your mother, Julia Lystra Collis, a beloved and well-known community leader from Trinidad & Tobago, and wish to extend my heartfelt condolences, as well as those of our entire City Hall family, to you and all who cherished this special woman who selflessly gave so much of herself in the service of others.
Julia was a trailblazer who lived a life of passion, perseverance, and purpose. In her capacity as an activist, businesswoman, civil servant, entrepreneur, organizer, and stalwart within the Caribbean community, Julia’s inspired leadership, providence, and wisdom helped to build and fortify a better New York. In addition to the many fundraisers she hosted in her lavish Ditrnas Park home for foreign and domestic elected officials, she was also the recipient of numerous citations and proclamations from former mayors and borough presidents, as well as members of the City Council, New York State Assembly, United States Congress, and various civic and political organizations. Additionally, prior to her retirement, she served as a community liaison for Representative Yvette Clarke and her mother, former Council Member Una Clarke.
Universally admired by all who knew her, Julia always positioned herself to see how and where she was able to do the most good for others. The work she did mattered, as evidenced by the indelibly profound mark she left on so many lives. The fire your mother ignited in the hearts and souls of so many striving toward a better world, one community at a time, is a permanent tribute to the legacy of her extraordinary life. Please know that I am thinking of you and your family and pray that the sadness you feel now will soon be softened by the wealth of happy memories you and your dear mother shared. I am so sorry for your loss.
Eric Adams, Mayor
