In Loving Memory

Photo of Dera Jean Collins Ewing

Dera Jean Collins Ewing

August 4, 1956 — March 3, 2026

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Dera Jean Collins Ewing, who left this world on March 3, 2026, after a courageous battle with illness. Born on August 4, 1956, in Cleveland, Ohio, Dera was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Dera was the cherished daughter of Marvel and Helen Collins, growing up in a home filled with love and laughter. Her grandparents, Arthur and Roxie Macon, and Johnnie and Sally Collins, predeceased her, but their values and spirits lived on through Dera’s life. She was the beloved sister to Shirley Brown, Terrial Collins, Bruno Collins, Roxie Collins, and Cassandra Collins, and their bond was a testament to the strength of family ties. Dera married , Clarence Ewing, in May 1985, and together they built a life in Euclid, Ohio, filled with joy, adventure, and an unbreakable family bond. Her husband and children—Terrence Lee Ewing (deceased), Christian Chadwick Ewing (deceased), Christa Ewing, Lawrence Ewing, and Elway Collins—were the Ewing Family. Her heart was further expanded with the births of her grandchildren, Airihanna, Laila, Lakota, and Desmond, who brought her endless joy and pride. She was also a beloved aunt, cousin, and friend to many, creating a vast family tapestry woven with love and laughter. A dedicated professional, Dera graduated from Shaw High School and furthered her education in Radiology Technology at University Hospitals and Case Western University. She devoted her career, from 1980 to 2007, to University Hospitals of Cleveland, where her compassionate nature and commitment to care were felt by colleagues and patients alike. Dera had an innate zest for life, evident in the way she cherished her hobbies. She was an avid gardener, finding peace and beauty in tending her yard. Her home was often the center of vibrant gatherings, where Dera’s love for her family and friends shone brightly through her famed "instant parties." Her passion for travel took her on countless adventures, always eager to explore new places and create unforgettable memories with those she loved. "Joy of Life is short." Kiskiss