Colleen Jeanette Myers

Colleen Jeanette Myers, 92, passed peacefully on April 24, 2026, at The Astoria at Norterre. Visitation will be held at First Baptist Church, 336 Gallatin St, Liberty, MO 64068, on May 4, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A Homegoing Service will take place at First Baptist Church, at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Fairview Cemetery, 235 W Shrader St, Liberty, MO 64068.

Colleen was born on August 12,1933, to Otis and Laura Slaughter Ponder Bird. She was the beloved grand-daughter of Greenup and Mary Bird, members of one of the pioneer African American founding families of Clay County, whose legacy in the community spans over 200 years.

Colleen was a proud 1951 graduate of the historic Garrison School, an institution that played a vital role in the education of African American students in the region. Her life was deeply rooted in faith, family, and service. At a young age, she joined the First Baptist Church of Liberty under the pastorage of Reverend J. H. Herring, where she remained a lifelong and devoted member. Over the course of more than 50 years, she faithfully served as the church musician organist. In addition, she gave her time and talents as Director of the Male Chorus, pianist and organist for the Junior Choir, and was an active member of the Pride of Zion Women's Auxiliary. Her dedication to her church family left a lasting impact on generations.

Colleen was united in marriage to Clinton Myers, a Korean War veteran and dedicated government service worker of over 33 years. Together, they built a life grounded in hard work, commitment, and love.

Throughout her working years, Colleen was known for her strong work ethic and skill. She worked as a chef in the dining hall at William Jewell College alongside her father, who served as the college's Master Chef for over 45 years. She later worked as a presser and finisher at Fosters Cleaners, where she retired after 25 years of service.

Her commitment to community extended beyond her professional life. Colleen was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Mt. Olive Chapter #8, and Rebecca Chapter #27. She also served on the Board of Directors for the Liberty Human Resources Corporation, contributing her time and leadership to initiatives that supported others.

Colleen will be remembered as a woman of courage, strength, and unwavering dedication. She was deeply loved by her church, her community, and her family.

She leaves to cherish her memory a large family, including her nieces, Sylvia Shepard, Joyce Cathy, Karen Maybery, Linda Robinson, Luella Lee, Theresa Byrd, Emma C. Ponder, and Mary Ann Ponder and Georgia Shepard (both deceased); her nephews, Albert J. Byrd, Charles Lee, Shelton Ponder, Jerome Byrd, John Ponder, James Ponder, and William C. Ponder. She is also remembered by a number of great-nieces and nephews, great-great-nieces and nephews, and a host of cousins, including Judge Mary Maxwell Thomas of Gurnee, Illinois.

Colleen's legacy of faith, service, and resilience will continue to live on in the lives of all who new and loved her.