Mary Collier

Mary Ruth Collier, age 85, of Battle Creek, MI, passed away on Friday, December 30, 2011, with family by her side.  She was born on September 7, 1926, in Dayton, TN, daughter of the late Arthur and Lena (Denton) Jordan. Mary was a homemaker through her children’s formative years and was a beloved room mother at their school.  She was eventually employed at Plott’s Candy Store then later for 17 years as an attendant at Wash Away Laundromat, where she made many friends with the public before retiring in 1988. Mary was nominated and selected as Mother of the Day in 2007 by the Battle Creek Shopper and she was affectionately known as “Granny” by many.    Mary was baptized in the Tennessee River as a child and she attended Garrison Baptist Church in Dayton, TN. Mary had many pastimes in her younger years before becoming disabled but her most favorites were camping, gardening, bowling, bingo, cards, occasional trips to the casino and yard sales.  In her later years she enjoyed bird watching and reading.  Her constant and faithful companion was her little Chihuahua, Pepper.  Mary was known for her caring and loyal love, hard work ethic and funny sense of humor.  She had a zest for life that never dampened. Family meant everything to Mary and she was their foundation.  She was married for 60 years to the love of her life, Clifford Collier, until his passing on December 31, 2007.  Surviving are their children, Rod (Connie) Green of Dayton, TN, and the following, all from Battle Creek:  Jake (Tricia Garrison), Brenda (Fred) Harris and Tracy (Dave) Hart.  She is also survived by grandchildren Carrie (Tim) Stevens, John Collier, Fred Harris Jr., James Collier, Jacob Collier and Jordan Hart, all of the Battle Creek area, and Kathy (David) Warner of Dayton, TN.    Mary’s great- grandchildren in Michigan are Shelby and Scottie Collier and Drew, Hannah and Cassie Stevens and Ariel and Destiny Warner of Tennessee.    Mary is survived by several in-laws and nieces and nephews in Michigan and Tennessee and by special niece Pam (Robert) Pendleton.   Deceased family, all from Tennessee, are brothers Arthur Jordan Jr., Don (Patsy) Jordan and sisters,  Leona Linhard, Margaret Cordell and baby Lola Jordan.  She is survived by her brother, Reverend David (Billie) Jordan. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association and/or any cause in support of U.S. Veterans. The family will receive friends at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home on Monday, January 2nd from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.  Mary’s life will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 3rd at the funeral home with Chaplain Jane Globig officiating.  Interment will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

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