Shirley Collie

October 5, 1931 - October 15, 2017

Shirley Jane Rhea Collie, 86 of Johnson City, passed away Sunday October 15, 2017 at the Johnson City Medical Center following a brief illness surrounded by her family. She was a native of Johnson City and the daughter of the Late Monty and Ruby Griffith Rhea. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Monty Rhea, Jr., and one great-grandson, Jared Isom. Shirley was educated in the Johnson City School System, and a proud member of the Langston High School community. She continued promoting education by founding the first black preschool and kindergarten, Carver Preschool and Kindergarten, in Johnson City at Carver Recreation Center in the early 1960’s. She was the owner of The Rose of Sharon, a wedding decoration and catering service for 46 years. She retired from Inter Mountain Telephone Company after 25 years of service. Shirley was a member of the vocal gospel groups, The Heavenly Echoes and Echoes of Zion during the 1960’s. She joined Friendship Baptist Church as a young girl and was baptized by the late Rev. S. L. Hall. Later she was a member of Mount Hope FB Holiness Church, Thankful Baptist Church, Friendship Baptist Church, and Philippi Baptist Church. She served each congregation faithfully as a member of the choir, Missionary Society, decorating committee, VBS and Sunday School teacher. She leaves to mourn her husband of 67 years, Hugh C. Collie; one son, Christopher Collie; three daughters, Huetta Isom, Ovetta Thomas(Charles), Lisa Sanders(Allen); 9 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; two special friends, Agnes Horton and Dorothy Vaught. The family will receive friends on Sunday October 22, 2017 from 3:00pm until 4:00pm at Friendship Baptist Church in Johnson City, followed by A Celebration of Life. A graveside service will be held on Monday October 23, 2017 at 10:45am at the Mountain Home National Cemetery.