Shirley Marie Collier Stephens

SHIRLEY MARIE COLLIER STEPHENS was born on March 10, 1942, and departed this life on January 25, 2021, at the age of 78. Preceded in death by parents Milton Collier, Sr. and Daisy Casey Collier; and brothers, Norman L. Collier and Milton C. Collier, Jr. Born and raised in Little Rock, Ark., Shirley received her early Christian education at Union African Methodist Episcopal Church, and was an honor student who graduated in 1960 from Horace Mann High School. After graduation, Shirley attended the University of Arkansas, but left to join the U.S. Navy where she studied to become a dental technician. Upon completion of her tour of duty in Washington, DC; she was honorably discharged and moved to Nashville, Tenn. to enroll in Tennessee State University. She graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's degree in Social Work. Shirley continued her studies at the University of Tennessee Graduate School Of Social Work, earning a Master's of Science degree in Social Work, and later became a licensed certified social worker, completing her internship at the VA hospital in Nashville, Tenn. She was employed for 30 years with Metro Social Services as an Assistant Director of Richland Village and later served as its Interim Director. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to Metro Social Services-Homemaker Services Division as Program Manager, and stayed in this position until her retirement. Shirley was a kind and loyal daughter, sister and aunt. She was also a loyal friend to those in need of caring, respect, and support. She loved laughter, dancing, reading, and was truly a great conversationalist telling stories which taught lessons in living. Witty and intelligent, she sensitively served the needs of the handicapped, the hungry, and the underprivileged of her Nashville community. Her neighbors dubbed her the "Mayor of Lookout Drive". She leaves to cherish her memory: a devoted sister, Ms. Yvonne Collier Alexander of Little Rock, Ark.; nephew, Milton Jon Collier and wife, Tori of Norman, Okla.; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Jonnie W. Collier of Little Rock, Ark.; two great-nephews, Bryce E. Collier and Cannon Collier; and one great-niece, Bailey E. Collier; all of Norman, Okla., a godson: Henry Thomas II of Lexington, Ky.; special friends, Charlotte Thomas West; Tarva and Thelma Smith of Nashville, Tenn; and a host of cousins and friends. Chapel service Wednesday, February 3, 2021, 10:30 a.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester Street, Little Rock. Masks are required, social spacing is observed. Interment: Following chapel service at 12 noon, at Arkansas State Veterans' Cemetery, 1501 West Maryland, North Little Rock.