Shirley Sanders Collier

Shirley Sanders Collier, age 79, of Hannibal, MO passed away at 8:24 am Saturday, July 12, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family who loved her dearly.

Shirley was born on December 28, 1945, in Hannibal, Missouri to O. Richard and Dorothy (Robinson) Sanders. She attended Hannibal High School and later graduated from Culver-Stockton College where she met the love of her life, Peter Collier. They were united in marriage on August 26, 1967 at Oakwood Christian Church in Hannibal. They began their life together in Libertyville, IL and lived in many homes throughout the US as they grew their family and their lives together.

Shirley was always an active member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). While living in Atlanta, she worked at Campbellstone, the Disciples of Christ Retirement Center, as the Recreation Coordinator. She later worked at Culver-Stockton College as the Director of Alumni Relations. Shirley taught Sunday School to many preschool students. They brought her so much joy as she made costumes for them to act out Bible stories, played games with Bible themes and talked about loving Jesus. Shirley also served as a deacon and elder in several different congregations throughout the years. She was a member of P.E.O. International and Chi Omega Sorority, where she served in advisory roles.

Her most beloved role was a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She was adored by her family. Known by them as "Gertie," they will love her forever as they cherish all of the happy memories of holidays together, family trips, birthday parties and games. Survivors include her husband, Peter Collier of Hannibal, two daughters, Robin (Dean) Wilson and Mary (Kurt) Saale; two granddaughters, Katie (Tony) Abbott and Emily (Thomas) Walt; two grandsons, Will Ingmire and Jake Ingmire; great-granddaughter, Maddie Abbott and two great-grandsons, Theo Walt and Charles Peter Walt. She was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Mary Lu Sanders.

Visitation celebrating Shirley's life will be held at 10:00 am on Friday July 18, 2025, at Oakwood Christian Church, with the memorial service following at 11:00. Reverend Doug Job will officiate. Burial will follow at Grand View Burial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Culver-Stockton College at https://4agc.com/donate/culver for the Shirley S. Collier Scholarship, benefiting students entering a field of service to children. If making your gift online, please select "Other," and type "Collier" in the text box.

Online condolences may be made to the family and video tribute viewed on Shirley's memorial page at www.smithfuneralhomeandchapel.com