Mary Collier

Mary Elizabeth “Missie” (Vivrett) Collier, director/owner of Collier’s School and Bryan resident for over 56 years, awoke in heaven Monday, April 17, 2017.  The daughter of the late Macager Louis Vivrett, Sr and Mary Kate (Green) Vivrett, Missie was born in Waco, Texas, on July 7, 1917.  At the time of her death, she was 99 years old.

Missie graduated from Baylor University in 1938, having married her husband, Ivan Thayer Collier, the day after Christmas, 1937.  The mother of four, Missie enjoyed being a Bryan Welcome Wagon hostess until 1959, when she and her husband purchased the former Mother Goose School, re-naming it Collier’s School. Generations of local children benefited from Mrs. Collier’s love of young children and passion for education.

Missie was not only passionate about education, but was invested in the Bryan-College Station community. She was a member of the OPAS Guild, served as President of the Aggie Mom's Club,and having given over 50 years of service to the Woman’s Club, she was named a life member.   Mrs. Collier was a long time member of Delta Kappa Gamma, the national honor society for educators, and as a member of the William Scott Chapter of the DAR, would delight in recognizing local students for their outstanding essays at their award ceremonies.

In her spare time, Mrs. Collier enjoyed gardening, was an avid bridge player, was active in the Rambler’s genealogy group and enjoyed the Neighborly Sunday School class as a member of First United Methodist Church in Bryan. She had a sharp wit and not only practiced proper diction and poise, but expected it of everyone she encountered.

Missie led a full life and was preceded in death by her parents ML & Mary Kate Vivrett, her husband Ivan Thayer Collier, her brother ML Vivrett Jr and her daughter, Gwen Collier Singer.  She is survived by her sons Robert and John Collier and daughter, Ann Collier Dunlap.  Missie's grandchildren are David Steel, Karla Pruitt, Dr. Rob Collier, Bill Collier, Elissa Dunlap and Don Dunlap III.  Her great grandchildren are Kayla and Coleman Pruitt, Cate and Brooke Steel, James, Jackson and Cameron Collier and Katie Rose Kreesy.  Other family members include Dara Enzler, and Carson and Paige Dunlap, as well as great grandchildren Dylan and Olivia Kate Enzler.  Missie's love will be missed by her family and countless friends, former students and neighbors.

The funeral will be held at 1 pm on April 29th at the First United Methodist Church of Bryan. A reception will follow with a graveside burial afterward in the Oakland Cemetery in Navasota.