Laird Mortuary | Prentiss, MS

Obituary For Shirley M. Collier

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Funeral services for Mrs. Shirley M. Collier will be held on Thursday, December 9th at Monticello First Baptist Church, Monticello. The services will begin at 11am.

Visitation services for Mrs. Shirley M. Collier are Wednesday from 5-7pm and Thursday from 10-11am at Monticello First Baptist Church.

Shirley Collier was born on May 24, 1936, to the late Archie and Lula Mae McGill in Poplarville, Mississippi. She was the fourth child of seven siblings. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Collier, parents, Archie and Lula Mae McGill, three brothers, Billy Ray McGill, James McGill and Henry McGill.

She attended Alcorn State University and received a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She met her husband, Robert, a native of Starkville, MS, on the campus of Alcorn State University. Shirley and Robert were united in holy matrimony on July 9, 1960. They celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 9, 2020. Five children were born to this union: Robert, Sherry, Shelia, Gerald and Nicole.

Shirley and Robert began their career as educators in Tunica, MS. Shirley taught in the Rosa Fort School System. They moved from Tunica, MS to Monticello, MS. in 1966. Shirley continued her career in education teaching at McCullough School until becoming a full-time homemaker in 1970.

Shirley found Christ at an early age. She and Robert joined Monticello First Baptist Church and became faithful members. She served as a Deaconess, Chair of the Deaconess and Prayer Band Leader. She enjoyed Sunday School and faithfully attended. She also enjoyed working at Vacation Bible School during the summer. She visited and prayed with the sick at the hospital, nursing home and the homes of church members. Shirley loved sharing her blessings with others. Helping others in need was something she loved to do. One of her favorite gospel songs was “Trouble of the World” by Mahalia Jackson.

She is survived by her five children: Robert D. Collier (Tondia) of Brandon, MS, Sherry Lewis of Harrisburg, PA, Shelia Reed (Gary) of Madison, MS, Gerald Collier (Charlene) of Ridgeland, MS and Nicole Barnes (James) of Spanish Fort, AL., nine grandchildren, Amber and Brittany Lewis of Harrisburg, PA, Alexis and Mya Barnes of Spanish Fort, AL, Gabrielle and Destiny Collier and Dantonio Evans (Kieyschmen) of Brandon, MS, and Jordan and Brandon Collier of Ridgeland, MS, two brothers, Archie and Bobby McGill (Melinda) and one sister, Betty Tillman of Poplarville, MS and a host of nieces and nephews.

“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” – Proverbs 31:10

Guest Book

To Nicole Barnes and the Family of Shirley M. Collier, I want to offer my condolences. You are in my prayers.

- Megan Patrick

To Nicole, Sherry, Sheila, Robert, and Gerald. I share my deepest sympathy and prayers for all of you. I feel a deep sadness in my heart for the loss of Mrs. Collier. Mr. and Mrs. Collier took me and my sons into their lives long ago and I loved them dearly. I will always remember the wisdom and advice that they shared with me throughout the years. May God continue to hold yall up during this time. I pray that all of you take comfort in knowing that your mother and father are at peace and there is no more suffering. I love you all very much. Helen Allen-Toney

- Helen Allen-Toney

Dear Nicole, Lifting you and your family in prayer as you walk this journey. Asking our Lord to comfort you as only HE can do. May HE give you strength now and the days ahead as you take one day at a time. May God Bless you. Janet Smith

- Janet Smith

My Sweet Nicole. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your sweet mom. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Sending you a big hug!

- Jeni C. Henderson

May God give you and your loved ones comfort during this difficult season.

- Angela W. Long

Nicole, I am so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. You all have had a difficult year. I'm sure your parents are looking down on you all and saying, "Don't cry because we are gone; smile because we were family!" You and your family are in my prayers as you navigate the difficult days ahead.

- Jane Jones

Nicole, My sincere condolences to you and family. I pray the Lord sends you comfort and peace during this time of bereavement. - Carolyn J. Washington

- Carolyn J. Washington

Condolences to you and your family. Praying to God for peace, comfort, and strength. Linda Smith Stovall

- Linda Smith Stovall

To the Family of Mrs. Shirley Collier, I send my heartfelt condolences in the passing of your beloved Mother. I pray that the Comforter will grant you peace in the coming days. Just know that memories which have been made will bring you joy.

- Cynthia White

My condolences to Nicole, Darryl, Sherry, Gerald and Shelia and the rest of the family. I would like to extend my prayers and comfort to you during this difficult time. Continue trusting in God and seeking his Grace. Love you all so much!! Shirley Anderson Bell Miller

- Shirley Anderson Bell Miller

Nicole, thinking of you and your family during this time of loss. I send my sincere condolences and sympathy to the family. It has been a very trying year for you all. Timothy Baker

- Timothy Baker

May the God of all peace comfort your hearts during this difficult time. Sincere condolences to the family, Ann W. White

- Ann W.White

Nicole, I'm deeply sorry for your loss!! Sending hugs and prayers to you!!!

- Pam Lewis Kirkland

To: Nicole Barnes and the Family of Shirley M. Collier, From USDA RD State Office; Please accept our sincere condolences for the passing of your mother. Douglas Simons, Acting State Director MS RD

- Douglas Simons

May loving memories bring you peace and strength. Please accept my deepest sympathy.

- Harriet Collins

Sending healing prayers to the family of Shirley Collier, and her church family, First Baptist, where I met her. I'm the sister of Ms. Hill, from Chicago, so far away yet so close. I also share in your loss. As long as there are memories of Ms. Collier, love lives on. May each of you find comfort in knowing that everything you shared with her will forever be a part of your life. Delores Neal Chicago, IL.

- Delores Neal

- Lillie Bingham

Darryl, Sherry, Shelia, Gerald & Nicole, My sincerest condolences are extended to you and your families. It's been a difficult year for you and I want you to know how much your parents mean to me personally. Our families share a special friendship that will forever endure. Continue to keep God as your anchor and source of strength, comfort and mercy. He will help you and uphold you with his righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10). May you find comfort in His promises. Love you all. - J. Latrice Hill Alexandria, VA

- J. Latrice Hill

My condolences and prayers are with the family on the death of your mother. Lillie Burns Bingham

- Lillie Bingham

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Laird Mortuary | Prentiss, MS