Obituary for Dora Aurelia Collier (Russomanno)
Dora Collier, 93, of Grayson passed away Saturday, January 2, 2021 at King’s Daughters Medical Center. She was born May 14, 1927, in Buenos Aires, Argentia; a daughter of the late Salvatore and Maria Baldi Russomanno. At the age of seven her family moved to San Giovanni, Italy where she met her future husband, James Collier, in 1944 during World War II. They were married in 1945 and moved to Kentucky in 1946 after he completed his tour of duty.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Collier; a son, Robert Collier; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Collier; a grandson, Craig Collier; and three brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of the First Church of Christ in Grayson, where she was very active helping with the food pantry, and serving on the Bereavement Committee. She was one of the founding members of the Graysonian Club. She was a member of Grayson Chapter #10 Eastern Star where she had served as worthy matron. Dora had worked for Ralph’s and Justice IGA in the deli and bakery departments.
This little 93 year old Italian lady smile could light up a room. Mamaw Dora or Mamaw Dor Dor was maybe the sweetest soul ever met. Her story was one for the history book – a young Italian lady who met an American soldier and fell in love; she left her family and traveled across oceans to start a new life – a life that was filled with love, laughter, family and most importantly, faith. Her home caught fire and her body inhaled too much smoke. I know she was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by Jesus, her precious Jim and many others. She was an inspiration to all who knew her – her stories were mesmerizing – her food delicious – her hugs….special. She may have been small in stature (it was every grandkids goal to surpass Mamaw Dora in height) but her heart was big, her devotion to her family was everything and most importantly her Faith was in Christ.
She is survived by a daughter, Nan (Ben) McGuire of Grayson; three sons, Larry (Pat) Collier, David (Becky) Collier, both of Grayson and Forrest (Robin) Collier of Ridgeland, MS; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 12:00p.m. Sparks Funeral Home, Ben James, minister. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Grayson.
Visitation will be Wednesday January 6, 2021, 10:00a.m. until time of service at the funeral home
Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Collier, James O. Collier, Josh McGuire, Andrew Collier, Aaron Collier, and Stephen Collier.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ Building Fund, 287 Pomeroy St., Grayson, KY 41143.
Due to the COVID pandemic, face coverings are required and social distancing will be observed.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sparksfh.com.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James Collier; a son, Robert Collier; a daughter-in-law, Brenda Collier; a grandson, Craig Collier; and three brothers and two sisters.
She was a member of the First Church of Christ in Grayson, where she was very active helping with the food pantry, and serving on the Bereavement Committee. She was one of the founding members of the Graysonian Club. She was a member of Grayson Chapter #10 Eastern Star where she had served as worthy matron. Dora had worked for Ralph’s and Justice IGA in the deli and bakery departments.
This little 93 year old Italian lady smile could light up a room. Mamaw Dora or Mamaw Dor Dor was maybe the sweetest soul ever met. Her story was one for the history book – a young Italian lady who met an American soldier and fell in love; she left her family and traveled across oceans to start a new life – a life that was filled with love, laughter, family and most importantly, faith. Her home caught fire and her body inhaled too much smoke. I know she was welcomed at the gates of Heaven by Jesus, her precious Jim and many others. She was an inspiration to all who knew her – her stories were mesmerizing – her food delicious – her hugs….special. She may have been small in stature (it was every grandkids goal to surpass Mamaw Dora in height) but her heart was big, her devotion to her family was everything and most importantly her Faith was in Christ.
She is survived by a daughter, Nan (Ben) McGuire of Grayson; three sons, Larry (Pat) Collier, David (Becky) Collier, both of Grayson and Forrest (Robin) Collier of Ridgeland, MS; fifteen grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and a great-great-granddaughter.
Funeral Services will be Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 12:00p.m. Sparks Funeral Home, Ben James, minister. Burial will follow in the Hillcrest Cemetery in Grayson.
Visitation will be Wednesday January 6, 2021, 10:00a.m. until time of service at the funeral home
Serving as pallbearers will be Todd Collier, James O. Collier, Josh McGuire, Andrew Collier, Aaron Collier, and Stephen Collier.
Memorial contributions may be made to the First Church of Christ Building Fund, 287 Pomeroy St., Grayson, KY 41143.
Due to the COVID pandemic, face coverings are required and social distancing will be observed.
Online condolences may be sent to www.sparksfh.com.