Betty Jean Collier

Betty Jean Collier, originally of Owensville, Missouri and a resident of Friendswood, Texas for many years, died on May 26, 2015 in Webster, Texas. She was 80 years old.

Betty Jean was born to Leslie E. and Hellen G. Spurgeon on April 15, 1935 in St. James, Missouri. She graduated from Owensville High School in 1953, and married her high school sweetheart Donald Eugene Collier in 1956. That year she also graduated from Southwest Missouri State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. Betty Jean taught in the Webster Groves School District at Avery Elementary School from 1956 to 1976. Donald's work would take the Colliers to Friendswood, Texas from 1976 to 1993, and back again to Missouri from 1993 to 2006 during which time they resided at Indian Hills Lake in Cuba, Missouri. Donald preceded her in death in 2006, when Betty Jean returned to Texas for the remaining years of her life.

Betty Jean was skilled at sewing, quilting, gardening and floral design. She attended flower show judges' school and became a Master Flower Show Judge. She served as President of both the Heritage Gardeners Club in Friendswood, and the Cuba Hills Garden Club. The love shared by Betty Jean and Donald was a blessing and example to all who knew them. Together they learned to square dance, and traveled to 19 states for National Conventions over the 26 years they enjoyed it. They were members of the Duck N' Dive square dance club in Rolla, Missouri, and the Hanger Squares club in Friendswood, where Betty Jean continued to dance in the company of dear friends after Donald passed. Betty Jean and Donald worshiped at the Cuba and Friendswood United Methodist Churches. Betty Jean enjoyed entertaining and being on the water - and will be remembered for the laughter and beauty she added to her communities.

Betty Jean is survived by her sisters Marie Sego of Cuba, Missouri and Linda Sowers of Bonne Terre, Missouri, as well as many family members and friends who will miss the vibrancy she brought to their lives. Loved ones gathered to celebrate Betty Jean's life in Friendswood, Texas on May 29, and in Cuba, Missouri on July 18.