DOVER - Mary Jacqueline "Jackie" Collier passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2018 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Charlottesville, Va. on Aug. 21, 1930 to the late John H. and Ruby A. White.
Jackie grew up in Charlottesville, Va. where she graduated from Lane High School at the age of 16. After graduating from high school, she attended the University of Virginia, earning a Bachelor of Science in Education and graduating just before her 20th birthday. She returned to UVA for graduate studies, earning a Master of Education degree in the summer of 1964. Jackie was a passionate and dedicated teacher. In addition to raising her three children, she spent 32 years working as a public school teacher, first teaching at the elementary level, then spending the remainder of her career as a Science and Math teacher at Caesar Rodney Junior High School. At CRJHS she coached the Science Olympiad and Math League teams in many competitions, often bringing home a win. She continued teaching part-time after her retirement, remaining active in the classroom until her mid-seventies.
Family and friends were Jackie's passion and delight. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren, cooking together and enjoying family celebrations. She was extremely creative and always loved tackling a problem. She had a fine mind and was truly a lifelong learner with a flawless memory. She had a wonderful sense of humor and also enjoyed reading and listening to music. She brightened up every room she entered with her smile, laughter and kind words.
Jackie was an active member of Victory Chapter No. 15, O.E.S. for over 50 years, serving her first term as Worthy Matron in 1971. She also served as the Worthy Grand Matron of Delaware from 1981-82. She donated countless hours in service to Eastern Star, raising funds for her home chapter as well as for the many charities supported by the organization.
Jackie is survived by her husband of 65 years, Jesse E. Collier; her children, John R. Collier and his wife Cathy of Milton, Gary L. Collier and his wife Kathleen of Tomball, Texas, and Elizabeth A. Jones and her husband Tad of Dover; as well as a loving nephew, John H. White and his wife Beth of Waynesboro, Va. She also leaves behind 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank her caregivers and close friends who remained steadfast during her illness, providing care, friendship and support in her final days.
Funeral services will be held 12 p.m., Friday, April 6, 2018 at Torbert Funeral Chapel South, 1145 E. Lebanon Road (Rt.10), Dover. Friends may call from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will be in Monticello Memory Garden, Clarksville, Va. at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Victory Chapter No. 15, O.E.S., 1486 Wyoming Mill Rd., Dover, Delaware, 19904.
Letters of condolences may be sent and guestbook signed at www.torbertfuneral.com.