Colleeon Lawrence Dozier died peacefully on August 22, 2021. She was born in Cullman County on July 27, 1936. She is preceded in death by her parents Ocie and Thyra Lawrence, and her beloved husband of 65 years, Lynn Dozier. She and Lynn met at Tennessee Temple University and it quickly became a “match made in heaven.” They married on June 26, 1955, at Ninth Street UMC. Afterward, they both transferred to Samford University in Birmingham, AL, and in 1958, Colleeon received a Bachelor of Arts. She continued her education at Athens State College, and in 1970, received a Master of Arts in Elementary Education.
Her career began at the Guided Missile School on Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, where she worked for 4 years. But she found her niche teaching 3rd grade at Somerville Elementary School and retired from Decatur City Schools after 26 years. She received several honors and recognitions throughout her career. She was named by Jacksonville State University as Teacher of the Year in 1978, she co-authored a textbook for undergrad teachers and a 3rd grade geography text for state curriculum, and in 2019 she was recognized by a former student, attorney Hope Ayers as the inspiration for her new book.
Colleeon was a devoted wife and worked alongside Lynn in pastoring churches nearly 40 years. They hosted missionaries in their home, and both Lynn and Colleeon worked tirelessly to share the Gospel with millions of people in India and other parts of the world through World Ministries, International.
Colleeon was a member of Decatur Baptist Church, and a lover of her Lord Jesus Christ. She was an avid student of the Holy scriptures, and loved learning about God’s magnificent creation. She was a pianist and soloist. She loved traveling, of which she did a lot with her husband and family. She traveled all around the US, also visited Canada, Europe, Asia and Africa. One of her most cherished trips was in 2015 when she and Lynn traveled up the East Coast, into Canada, and visited all of their favorite places. She loved to cook and loved to serve her family. She was creative and artistic and could set a table to rival Martha Stewart.
She is survived by her son, Kim (Buck) Dozier and daughter-in-law, Charlotte, grand-daughters Kristin, Britney, and Olivia, great-grandchildren Avery and Cameron Hopper, and Isaac and Naomi Williams, beloved sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, and, many, many friends.
Colleeon was a woman of faith and devotion to her Lord and to her family. She invested God’s love into the lives of thousands of children and people in this community and world. She loved big, lived big, and did it all with beautiful grace.
