Gilda McKinney McCollum

Gilda McKinney McCollum, 79 of Reidsville went to be with the Lord on Friday October 10, 2025 at Ancora Compassionate Care.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM Tuesday October 14, 2025 at First Baptist Church with Dr. Lance Cole officiating. A private family inurnment will be in the church columbarium. The family will receive friends before the service from 10:00 till 11:00 AM.

Gilda was born July 25, 1946 in Reidsville, NC where she lived most of her life. She was a daughter of the late Charles Hayes and Kate Smith McKinney. Gilda graduated from Reidsville High School and attended dental hygiene school at GTCC. She worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Rivers Upchurch for many years. She was an active member of First Baptist Church, where she served on many committees and as an assistant Sunday School teacher. She also was a faithful member and group leader of the Bible Study Fellowship for many years. Gilda was devoted to her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her extended family. Gilda’s greatest devotion was to her Lord and Savior. During her illness, her steadfast desire was to bring Him glory and honor. “The joy of the Lord is my strength.” (Nehemiah 8:10)

In addition to her parents, Gilda was preceded in death by her husband: Jay R. McCollum, her son: Breck McCollum, her daughter: Sloan McCollum Foster, her sisters: Barbara McKinney Watts, and Geraldine McKinney, and her brother: John McKinney, Sr. Survivors include her daughter: Christie Miller Bates of Cary, her son: Dr. Eric McCollum, DDS (Debbie) of Reidsville, her grandchildren: Lindsey Bates Adams (Walker), Mason Foster, Alexander Bates, Dillon Foster, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be sent to First Baptist Church 409 S. Main Street Reidsville, NC  27320, to Ancora Compassionate Care (formerly Hospice of Rockingham County) P.O. Box 281 Wentworth, NC  27375, or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Ancora Compassionate Care, and to Gilda’s wonderful caregivers for their exceptional care and compassion.

Citty Funeral Home is assisting the McCollum family, online condolences may be sent towww.cittyfh.com.    

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