Marilyn Collier

Marilyn Collier, 94, of Smithboro, IL, passed away on Wednesday, December 14, 2022, at her home, in Smithboro, IL.

Marilyn was born January 12, 1928, in Mulberry Grove, IL, the daughter of Harold and Delsie (Goodin) Borror.

She married Clifford Collier, in Mulberry Grove, IL, on August 22, 1948. He preceded her in death, on February 19, 2002.

Marilyn was a lifelong resident of Bond County and often shared happy recollections of growing up in the small-town environment of Mulberry Grove.

She had fond memories of childhood friends, classmates, and teachers. After graduating from Mulberry Grove high school in 1946, Marilyn worked as a

bookkeeper and auditor for the new Ford dealership in Greenville for a few years. She and Cliff acquired a farm in 1950, and she settled into the busy role of

assisting him with the challenges of managing a growing dairy farm. Later, she worked as bookkeeper for the G.V Weise department store in Greenville. She was

owner of the Gift Mart from 1978 until 1982. Her interests and hobbies included gardening, golfing, volunteering for the hospital auxiliary, attending Bond County

Homemakers Extension and, most of all, playing the piano. Marilyn took piano lessons as a child and played throughout her entire life. She

considered music to be a gift from God. She said of music, “It moves us, inspires, comforts us and can connect us to others.” Her father played saxophone and

violin, and they often accompanied one another at community and church events performing mostly gospel music. She served as pianist for the Mulberry Grove

Baptist Church in the 1960’s and early 1970’s. Marilyn was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Greenville where she

served as a deacon and member of the session. She served on various committees, taught Sunday school, and assisted with Bible School. Her faith in

God and love of her Savior Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life and legacy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Harold and Delsie; her husband, Clifford; and her brother, Maurice Borror.

She is survived by her children, Martin (Karen) Collier of Peoria, IL, Steven (Cindy) Collier of Greenville, IL, and Sharon (Gary) Shanafelt of Odin, IL; grandchildren, Amy (David) Del Pozo of Dunlap, IL, Ryan (Melissa) Collier of Indianapolis, IN, Marshall (Evynette) Collier of Peoria, IL, and Dawn (Mitchell) Kroeger of Springfield, MO, and 7 great granddaughters.

Visitation: 10:00 am -11:00 am, Friday, December 23, 2022, at the Assalley-Young Funeral Home, 118 E. College Ave., Greenville, IL 62246.

Funeral: 11:00 am., following the visitation, with Rev Keith Bailey, Officiating.

Burial: A private burial will be held at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Greenville, IL.

Memorial contributions may be given to the Bond County Hospice, 1520 S. 4^th St. Greenville, IL 62246 and/or American Bible Society, P.O. Box 96812, Washington DC., 20090-6812 or https://www.americanbible.org/share

Please include her personal ID # 8-12064062, when donating to American Bible Society.

The family asks that donations be made in lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts as church and faith were an important part of her life, as well as, the care given by hospice.

The family has entrusted Assalley-Young Funeral Home in Greenville with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.assalleyfuneralhomes.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.