"From the rising of the sun to its setting, the name of the Lord is to be praised!" (Psalm113:3) Anita Sue Harley's work was finished at the age of 88 when she went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday, August 19, 2021. She was born in Granite City, IL on December 5, 1932, preceded in death by her parents, Dewey and Jennie Moody and sister Marilyn. She was a mother, painter, lover of roses and birds, crocheter, sports fanatic, friend, and prayer warrior until her final breath.
Anita lived her life exemplifying the word of God blooming through her actions. Scripture was sown seamlessly throughout her days. She "let the word of Christ dwell richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom…..with thankfulness in her heart" (Colossians 3:16) as she thrived on one bible study to another in her church. Planting seeds of truth among her friends and family and faithfully praying for them was how she spent her days. She loved to see people grow and bloom where God had them in their moments. She reminded us to consider the birds of the air and the lilies of the field and she demonstrated that anxiousness would never add an hour to our life but seeking the kingdom of God would provide all that we need. (Matthew 6)
Anita found great joy in all circumstances. She loved living in the self described "Personal oasis" with her daughter. Her time was spent admiring her rose garden and hummingbirds while catching a ball game or two. You would always catch her with her bible, journal, and a cup of coffee in front of her. Her bucket list wasn't filled with extravagant trips and experiences, but it was to see her family and friends come to know Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior. Anita's words of encouragement and truth, paintings filled with love, blankets crocheted with so many details,. and faithful prayers will be missed greatly, but her love will always remain.
While her work on this earth is finished, her legacy remains with her family. Anita is survived by her daughter Susan Otten (Dan); sons David Harley (Sondra), Jonathan Harley (Lisa), and Thomas Harley (Angela); grandchildren Michael (Shannon), Rebekah, Jaclyn (Joey), Bobby (Jules), Leighanne, Amanda, Benjamin (Katie) and Caitlin; and great grandsons Grant, Hudson, Jackson and Leo and great-granddaughters Elizabeth and Esther.
Due to the pandemic, services will be family only on Sunday, August 22, 2021 at 2:00 p.m. at Collierville Funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Samaritan's Purse.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.colliervillefuneral.com for the Harley family.
