Jean Collier

Jean Collier, born June 24, 1947, in Decatur, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 22, 2026, surrounded by the love of her family and close friends. While her passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of those who loved her, her family finds comfort knowing that she is now completely healed and resting in the arms of Jesus.

Jean was born and raised in Decatur, the daughter of Bert and Noma Pipes. She later made her home in the Crafton community, where she and her husband, Carroll, built their life together and raised their family.

Jean married Carroll Collier, and for 61 years they created a life centered around family, faith, hard work, and serving others. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. As a homemaker, Jean found great joy in caring for her family and making her home a place where everyone felt welcome.

Jean had a special gift for loving people through food. She thoroughly enjoyed cooking for her family, her church family, and anyone who was in need. She was always willing to prepare a meal, lend a helping hand, or simply make someone feel welcome. She especially looked forward to making her homemade ice cream for Crafton’s “Ice Cream Suppers” at the Tabernacle, a tradition she dearly loved being part of.

Serving others was simply part of who Jean was. If there was a fundraiser, church gathering, or community event in Crafton or Chico, chances were good that Jean was somewhere in the middle of the volunteer team. She never hesitated to pitch in and help.

After moving to Advanced Rehab and Healthcare of Bowie, Jean quickly became involved in the activities and community there. She participated enthusiastically in social events and served for a time as president of the Resident Council. In 2025, she was crowned Homecoming Queen at the facility—a fitting honor for a woman who never shied away from having a little fun. Jean was known for her bold jewelry, beautiful makeup, and always smelling wonderful. She knew how to make an entrance and bring a little sparkle wherever she went.

Jean loved her church and rarely wanted to miss a service. Her faith was an important part of her life, and she cherished the fellowship of her church family. Church potlucks were among her favorite events—not only because she loved the food, but because she loved gathering together with others.

She also enjoyed quilting and the fellowship of her quilt club. Many friends and family members have treasured quilts that Jean made with love. Through her quilting, cooking, hospitality, and service, she taught those around her that love is often shown in the simplest ways—a home-cooked meal, a helping hand, a quilt made with love, a scoop of homemade ice cream, or simply showing up when someone needed you.

Camping trips with Carroll and their friends were among her favorite vacations. And if family or friends were headed somewhere, Jean was usually ready to go. She especially enjoyed any adventure that involved shopping and eating—two things she never seemed to turn down!

But above all else, Jean loved her family. She took great pride in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren and treasured the time she spent with them. Her greatest joy was watching her family grow and being part of their lives. She loved fiercely, celebrated wholeheartedly, and made sure those she loved knew they mattered.

Jean is survived by her husband, Carroll Collier; her daughter, Jeannette Shaw and husband Mike; her grandchildren, Brent Shaw and wife Ashley and Kelsey Rentfro and husband Robert; and her six great-grandchildren, Wren, Lark, Remi, Hawk, Ridge, and Ripp. She is also survived by her sibling, Robbie Watson; sister-in-law, Lanelle Pewitt; brother-in-law, Melvin Pewitt; and her dearest friend and roommate of the past five years, Betty Brandon.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Noma Pipes; her son, Calvin Collier; and sweet great-grandbabies who were born too early to thrive on this earth.

Jean’s family will miss her deeply, but they will carry her memory forward in the traditions she loved, the meals she prepared, the quilts she made, the people she served, and the generations she loved so dearly. Funeral service will be 10AM Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at Hawkins Funeral Chapel in Bridgeport with burial at Crafton Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6pm-8pm Tuesday, August 25th at the funeral home.

Her work on earth is finished, but the love she gave will continue through every generation that follows.

She is home. She is healed. And she is resting in the arms of Jesus.