Eric Fontez Collins was born on May 4, 1970 in Centreville, IL to the union of Derrick Jackson Sr. and Joellen Jackson. He attended East St. Louis Senior High School and later obtained his GED.

Eric knew his way around the kitchen very well. He had no problem cooking. Cooking was his passion. He was also a football and a softball coach. In his free time he loved to hang out with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed playing spades, tunk, and deuces.

Eric was preceded in death by his mother Joellen Jackson, his father Derrick Jackson Sr., and granddaughter Me'Leah Collins.

Eric departed this life on June 17, 2022. He leaves to cherish his memory his children Kion Mitchell of St. Louis, MO, Melvin Collins (Terisha) of Belleville, IL, Helyn Collins of East St. Louis, IL, Uhnshari Goodwin (Andre) of East St. Louis, IL, and Taneesha Myers of O'Fallon, IL; sister Lisa Jackson of Grand Prairie, TX; three brothers, Derrick Jackson Jr. of Cahokia Heights, IL, Marcus Young of Boston, Massachusetts, and Syr Devin Mitchell of Phoenix, Arizona, 14 grandchildren and a host of aunts, uncles, and friends.