Trusting in the perfect timing of our All-Good and Sovereign Lord, we announce the passing of Mary Wilkinson Collier, age 78, of Mobile, Alabama. On Thursday, July 6, 2023, Mary died at home surrounded by family after a brief battle with cancer. Missing her terribly already, with Christian confidence and hope, we take consolation in seeing Mary again when our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ makes all things new.
With hearts full of love and gratitude, we remember Mary as a beloved and devoted wife of 60 years, a loving mother, and the best Nanny to a fast-growing tribe of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She taught kindergarten for 20 years. She took a break from formal teaching to care for grandchildren before returning to the classroom. Even before retirement, Mary loved crafts. She found great joy in helping family decorate Christmas trees, making wreaths, and sewing quilts for babies. She could always be counted on to show up at any occasion with her delicious “Nanny Brownies”. Mary loved her Labrador Retrievers and going to the beach. In addition to traveling, she enjoyed gardening in the backyard. Most of all, Mary treasured time spent with family.
Mary is preceded in death by her father James Deese Wilkinson and mother Catherine Denty Wilkinson. She is survived by her husband Danny J. Collier, daughters Judy (Brian) Bailey and Jody (Tim) Metzger, and son Danny (Lesley) Collier. Eight grandchildren include Brian (Holly) Bailey, Brooke (Grant) Stone, Chris (Morgan) Metzger, Jordan (Kyle) Goldstein, Cameron (Darion) Metzger, Daniel Collier, Joseph Collier, and Morgan Metzger. And nine great-grandchildren include Weston, June, Lizzy, Bailynn, Henry, Katherine, Skip, Ben, and (her namesake) Mary.
Funeral services will be held from the chapel of Pine Crest Funeral Home on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, at 12 p.m. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the service hour. Interment will be in Pine Crest Cemetery on Dauphin Island Parkway. Condolences may be offered at www.pinecrestfuneralhome.com.
