Virginia L. Collier, 69, of Waco, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, January 7th.
Funeral Service: 2PM Tuesday, January 13th at Parkview Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Bosqueville Cemetery.
Visitation and Prayer Service: 6-8PM Monday, January 12th at Lake Shore Funeral Home.
Virginia was born August 4, 1945 in Corpus Christi to Clifford and Louise (Lightfoot) Oden. After graduating with honors from Garland Bible College in 1966 and marrying the love of her life, John Collier, Virginia spent her years forming a family, teaching hundreds of students and bringing joy and beauty into her world. As mother to two children, Virginia devoted many years and much energy and prayers to the children she loved and who love her. Virginia was always drawn to those who were hurting, believing that God’s love moved toward all of us.
Virginia was preceded in death by her father and brother, James Oden.
Survivors include husband of 48 years, John W. Collier of Waco; son, Winn Collier and wife Miska of Charlottesville, VA; daughter, Vonda Morga and husband Jason of Davisburg, MI; grandsons, Wyatt and Seth Collier; granddaughters, Kylie and Brynlie Morga; mother, Louise Oden of Waco; brothers, Mike Oden and wife Connie of Garland, and John Oden and wife Leslie of Groesbeck; special niece, Myra Munsch; and numerous family members and friends.
Pallbearers will be Deacons of Parkview Baptist Church.
The family would like to acknowledge special thanks to Chelsey, Carmen, Tracey, and Angel at The Atrium of Bellmead for your loving and competent care, Dr. Christopher Grant, and the Pastoral Staff and Parkview Baptist Church family.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Parkview Baptist Church, Parkview Christian Academy, or Parkview Child Care.
Place of Service: Parkview Baptist Church , 1100 East Lake Shore Drive; Waco, TX 76708
Print Obituary & Condolences
No words can express how sad we have been missing Mrs. Collier. It is so wonderful she is no longer in pain and has finally gone home to be with The Lord. This lady was amazing! She touched everyone’s life with her kindness and willingness to help in any situation. She has been greatly missed but her reward will be so great in Heaven. We miss her smiling face and her hugs.
We are so very sad and will miss Virginia
So much. She was such a precious,
Christian lady who made such an impression
On so many. This world is a better place to
Those she came in touch with. Lord thank you For blessing us with the friendship of
Of such a special lady.
Mrs. Collier will be missed greatly. She had such a sweet spirit and sweet loving and giving heart. When I came in as an outsider, she made me feel like I belonged and for a teenager that meant the world to me. I will never forget it. We are praying for all of the family in the upcoming days. Praise the Lord – no more pain!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Virginia will be greatly missed.
May God’s peace comfort you, Bro. John, Wynn, and Vonda. Jody passed 1/7/13. They were extra close as friends and enjoyed working together with the children and the theatrical presentations. Now they are praising God together again. Both with new eternal glorious bodies, eyesight, and eternal souls.
Always Christian friends.
D Smith
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
John, I’m so sorry to hear about Virginia’s passing. I haven’t seen you folks in many years, but I still remember you and will be praying for God’s comfort for you and the rest of the family.
My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Mrs. Collier. Sometimes in life God gives an angel on earth. This would be Mrs.Collier. Now she is an angel in heaven but get legacy lives on through the 1000’s she has touched. I am one of these. I am a better woman because of her. God Bless her in her heavenly home for she has many crowns to turn over.
Mrs. Collier has a special place in the hearts of the Nething family. She was my pastor’s wife, my daughter’s teacher, my daughter’s piano teacher, and encourager of our family. I can’t begin to tell you the love she showed my family, making us feel welcome to Texas and adjusting to living in the South. What a treat it was when she consented to come visit us in Georgia as a birthday present to my daughter. Her passing has left a huge hole that no one can fill. What a thrill it will be to get to see her again in heaven one day. But until then we will be praying for God to give his great comfort to the family.
Bro. Collier, Jim & I are praying for you and your family. Mrs. Virginia and her sweet smile will be missed.
Our deepest sympathies go to Mrs. Collier’s family. We consider ourselves blessed to have known her and fortunate that our daughter was influenced by her at PCA. She was the kindest, most genuine person and handled her battle with such grace. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Collier. I know there is a sadness of heart after 48 years but rejoicing in the knowledge of the reunion to come in heave. Praying for the comfort of 1 Corinthians 1:2-4.
Sweetest lady I’ve ever met. She taught me so much, and I will always remember my piano lessons and recitals with her by my side. Heaven gained a wonderful woman.
Dear Family,
Our deepest sympathies for your family during this time. I am thankful for her testimony and her inspiration to those around her. Please know that our prayers are with you during this time.
Our condolences to the Collier family. Your family is in our prayers. David, Glenna & Andrew Walker
We were saddened to hear Virginia is gone, but so thankful to know that she is free from pain and enjoying the joys of Jesus and her loved ones in Heaven. We have such great memories of good times in ministry and fellowship. In these coming months, we will pray for you and know that God’s arms will hug you to Himself in your saddest moments. In love, Willard and Kathy
Pastor Collier,
Virginia was very special. The warmth of her smile and the sweetness of her spirit will be greatly missed. You and the entire family are in our thoughts and prayers.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We know that Mrs Collier spent her life serving her Lord and Saviour and we will all be reunited again with Him where no pain, no sorrow and no tears will exist. Bless your family and thank you for your comfort and support that both of you gave to our families in our time of need.
I worked with Virginia at Parkview back in the early 90’s and some of my children had her for choir. She was simply a daily source of light and encouragement, a true LADY in every sense of the word. I am sure she is rejoicing to be with the Savior she loved, but this world is a little darker without her light here. I know her family and friends are missing her greatly. My prayers are with you as you walk through this time of grief
John, I was so sorry to hear about Virginia’s death from April Page. I would like to take you back about 50 years. I remember both of you in Garland Bible College very well. Virginia’s parents made Garland Bible College the good college it was. Virginia was a radiant person that shined with God’s love. John, you loved her then and I am so happy to see that it lasted so many years. My prayers are with you, your family, your church, and all the people who loved her and you so much. Virginia has gotten her promotion. She is with the Lord now. We will just have to wait for ours.
I am saddened to hear of the passing of Virginia. We were in college together at GBC. Those memories of education, fellowship and ministry, and the times we shared together, though long ago, are special to me.
( I also want you to know how much the Odens meant to me and the special place they all played in my life as a young adult. )
My prayers are with you and your family for His comfort and peace.
Diana Penalver Mitchell
My prayers are with you, Bro. Collier, Winn and Vonda. I remember being in her 5th grade class at PCA. She was such a fun teacher and a wonderful example of a godly woman. Her memory lives on in every life she has touched. I consider myself blessed to have known her.
Condolences to the Collier family; so very saddened to hear of your loss; may you find peace and comfort in God’s abounding grace.
Jeremy, Michael and Marilyn Roberts – Wilmington, NC
Dear Bro. Collier and Family,
Mrs. Collier was such a beautiful lady inside and and it radiated outside to all of us. She was such a Godly role model to me as a young lady, wife and mother. She set behaviors in motion that have carried me my entire life and I’m so grateful to have known her. God’s comfort and peace to each of you during these next days as you mourn, celebrate, grieve and rejoice.
We were so saddened to hear the news of Virginia’s passing. We were new members of the church when she fell ill, but she never failed to have a smile or a kind word to anyone. She was a very wonderful role model of what a true Christian should be. We know that she is continuing her work in Heaven and smiling down on Pastor and us all.
We Love You Pastor….
Gary and Teresa Holcomb
My deepest sympathies and prayes go out to the Collier family!
I am so glad for the years that I was privileged to know and work with Virginia – years at the Bill Rice Ranch – Murfreesboro, TN. So many sweet memories. I care, John, and children for the empty ‘spot’ in your future life. But- ‘on the other side ‘. a glad reunion. Love and prayers. Mary Webber
To the Collier family: We are thinking of you during this time of loss. Virginia was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever had the privilege of knowing. She helped take care of my children and showed lots of love toward every child who walked in the door at PCCC. She will be greatly missed by all who knew her. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dear Collier family
I am deeply sorry to hear of her passing and she will be missed, in my years as her piano student I enjoyed learning from her not only music, but songs that we sing in church, and scripture from time to time, she will be missed and her music down the halls as where she played the piano as well of the church, you have my sympathies and prayers and cherish the memories you all share of her and the time she spent with you, big warm hugs to all of you
Dr. Collier,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You have been such a special customer. If there is anything you need, please call me. Your family will be in my prayers.
We lost the Real First Lady , she was a lady in
Every way ! I respected this woman.
I will miss her ! My prayers go out to the
Family .
To family of Mrs. Collier, she was a great mentor and supporter of Early Educators and advocate for children’s rights. She will be greatly missed, Kenna Harris; Early Education
John, we were so sorry to hear of Virginia’s death. She was a dear friend at MRBC and fellow “ensemble singer”. Loved her soprano voice. We know how dreadfully you will miss her, but also know that “the peace of God which passes understanding” is in your heart as you know you will one day be reunited. Oh that blessed hope! You are in our prayers.
Carol and Gordon
What a wonderful woman! Please know my thoughts are with you all. I’m thankful to have known her and what she stood for. Beautiful inside and out! Love you Mr. Collier and family.
We were saddened to hear of Virginia’s passing but rejoicing of what we know she is experiencing now. She was a wonderful example of a Christian and a pastor’s wife. Our prayers are with you Bro. John and all the family
Dear Collier family,
My sincere condolences at the loss of Mrs. Collier. She was a beautiful person inside and out and I will always be grateful for the compassion and true grace she always exhibited. May your happy memories of her help you all through this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Dear John,
My heart was sad when I heard the news of Virginia. Even though it has been many years since we were at Garland College together, it feels like yesterday. I’ll always remember the fun times I had singing with Virginia in college and church. May the Lord comfort you and your family during this time. Jeremiah 29:11
I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Collier’s passing. My son, Wesley, attended Parkview Christian Child Care and we both loved the time he spent there. Mrs. Collier’s presence was always encouraging and such a positive example – we were lucky to have Parkview as our extended family. The world is a little less bright today but I know she is where she can look down on us. May you find comfort in the days and weeks ahead. Our prayers are with you.
Lisa & Wesley Carroll
Prayers for your family. Mrs. Collier was such a blessing in my life and I am a better person because of her. I will always remember her smile and her kindness towards me.
I remember very clearly Mrs. Collier being my 5’th grade teacher and I just loved her. She then helped me find my courage and my voice throughout high school. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I shall send a prayer up for the family. John 5:28 “Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice”
Mrs. Collier was a beautiful person. A true lady. She’s loving you from heaven as you’re loving her here and now. Eternity is not that far away.
Pastor Collier and family, th entire Gonzales family would like to express our sincere, heartfelt sorrow for your loss. Virginia was such a great example of a woman of God. She truly touched our lives in a profound way. She had so much love, warmth, generosity and cheerfulness wrapped up in a beautiful, talented spirit. She was a beautiful person inside and out. We will be praying for Jesus to comfort you, as only He can, in the days ahead. We love you. James,Lynne and family.
Our dear Bro. John, our hearts were sadden as we learned of your loss this past week but our sorrows soon turned into joy when we thought of Virginia ‘s home going because now she knows Heaven was worth it all. Our lives will forever be touched by her kindness as we were invited into your home on our visit to Waco several years ago. John you are a great man of God because of the woman who stood by your side. I’m sure she will be missed greatly but “One Day” our reunions with all our friends and loved ones will be sweeter still. God bless and keep you and your family in His arms of care during this time. George and Judy Hallman
Bro. John,
Brenda and I send our love to you and your family during this time of great loss. I know that you are already longing for the day when you will see Virginia again. The Lord Jesus will continue to be your best Friend as you continue to lean heavily upon Him. We are praying for you. (Psalm 23)
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We just heard about Virginia. I have never met anyone like her except her mother. She was a truly caring, kind and loving person. She always seemed to know the right thing to say and do. She will be missed.
I just saw the notice of the passing of Virginia. I attended GBC with her and John many years ago and have fond memories of them both. Virginia was a loving and sweet girl then, with great potential. I am so glad to see that she lived her life for the Lord. Even though this is so late, I offer my condolences and prayers for the family. My own mother passed away 2 years ago, and I know the sorrow lasts a while, even though we know they are with the Lord and in a much better place.