Collier truly loved Century community

Founder of Alger-Sullivan Historical Society dies; remembered for her love of history, people

The town of Century lost a beloved member when longtime Century resident and co-founder of the Alger Sullivan Historical Society, Margaret Collier, 92, died Wednesday, March 13, 2019.

"Margaret and Mrs. Vivian Jones were the originators of the Alger Sullivan Historical Society (ASHS)," said Century resident and historical society President Jerry Fischer. "They got it started in the Methodist Church, where we held the meetings, starting in 1988. Anyone who was interested in Century could come, and off we went. The two of them got it started through the state and Margaret became the first president and a trustee. There were probably 80 or 90 who were charter members. There are under 10 now if not under five, who started it all off."

The ASHS Collier helped found still meets every third Tuesday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Leach Museum in Century to discuss history and historical connections to the town.

"Then the second president was her son, Neil," said Fischer. "Then I became president, and those are the three presidents we've had since it started. We've met in the Wiggins home, and at the high school, although we actually started at library in Century High School, with the help of Jack Neal we got the building down there. We kept going. We've always met once a month and discussed different things. We tried to help save the old school but it didn't work out. She was always the one who led us in prayer, and David Green, the two of them were our chaplains after Preacher Willie Carter died. We've gone through a lot of people who have contributed to it. We could always get together and debate things out. Luther, her husband, was one of our dedicated charter members. We had a great relationship through the years. With events like Saw Mill Day and others along the way, we were always accumulating stuff. She was always there to share her opinion on things. I wish all organizations could get along like we got along there."

Fischer said Carl Jones, Jack Neal and Warren Briggs made sure they had a place to call home, where they could hold their meetings and that they were the really big three who helped ASHS, along with Margaret.

"I talked to her a couple of days before she went into the hospital, we talked about the meetings and different things," said Fischer. "She loved to drink coffee with me, we always experimented with different coffees. She played a part in a number of books we've put together. They can be purchased at the museum, there won't be another Margaret Collier book."

Collier was a member of the Century United Methodist Church, where the Rev. Janet Lee knew her for many years, and called her a friend and as well as a church parishioner.

"Margaret's glass was always full," said Lee. "She was one of the most non-judgmental people I've ever known. She loved Century, she loved the people. She just loved to be here. Margaret cared about everybody. You didn't have to be a Collier to be in her family. Everyone was welcome, she was one of the most accepting people I've ever known. She was faithful to her church, generous, she loved her church family. Over a period of 35 years, she created a movement to establish the ASHS, to get a historical designation of the museum, the old 100 steam engine back. She was an active community person."

Century resident Helen Mincey was friends with Collier for more than 15 years through the historical society. They traveled on short trips together into Alabama and enjoyed the local history. Mincey said Collier loved to put together puzzles of every size and she was always invited to Collier's house for celebratory dinners, such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other holidays. Mincey said at the latest historical society meeting on Tuesday night, Collier's absence could be felt by everyone.

"Every time you were around Margaret, you were bound to learn something that you didn't know," said Mincey. "Margaret was a by-the-book person. We often had dinner together, so many times. She was one of my closet friends. She invited me where ever. I will miss her very dearly, her smile, her sense of humor, the closeness, everything. She was like a grandma figure in my life."

Mrs. Collier was born in Groveland, Mass., and had resided in Florida since 1930 and Northwest Florida since 1951, later retiring as a school teacher. She was a long time member of Century United Methodist Church and the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society of Century.

Mrs. Collier was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, M.L. Collier.

Mrs. Collier was survived by two sons, Neil (Sandy) Collier and A. C. (Sharon) Collier; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

The family received friends at Century United Methodist Church on Monday, March 18, from 10 a.m. until the service began at 11 a.m. Pastor Janet Lee officiated.

A graveside committal service was held at Pensacola Memorial Gardens on Monday at 2:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial donations be made to Century United Methodist Church P.O. Box 245 Century, FL 32535 or to the Alger-Sullivan Historical Society 610 4th Street Century, FL 32535.

 
 
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