Betty Lyn Collier 1936-2025

Services for Betty Lyn Collier were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, May 2 at Rader Funeral Home in Longview. Reverend David Farmer officiated. Following the service, the family received visitors at Fisherman’s Market. Betty Lyn passed away April 27, 2025 in Nacogdoches.

A dedicated community servant, compassionate nurse, loving family member and devoted friend, Betty Lyn’s life was a testament to the power of community service, compassion and unwavering dedication to making a difference in the lives of others.

She was born on Aug. 3, 1936 in Dierks, Ark. to Vera Elizabeth Haltom Bruner and Ulman Bruner. She married her high school sweetheart, Joe Collier, in 1957, beginning a loving partnership that spanned decades. After earning her nursing degree, Betty Lyn dedicated herself to caring for others, first as a nurse and later through numerous volunteer and leadership roles in the community.

Betty Lyn’s passion for service was evident through her extensive volunteer work. For years, she served as a volunteer with East Texas Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), guiding and advocating for vulnerable children in the court system. Her commitment to youth extended to her role on the board of ECHO House for teens and her involvement with the Women’s Center of East Texas. As a Longview Mayor’s Commission for Women charter member and recognized as a Beta Sigma Phi Woman of the Year, she was an influential voice for women’s issues in her community. Betty Lyn and Joe were long-time members of Woodland Christian Church where she became the first woman to serve as a church elder and board chairperson. For 20 years, she was instrumental in establishing and serving the local Clergy Counseling Service for Problem Pregnancies, demonstrating her deep compassion and desire to support those in need. Her most recent church membership was with First Christian Church of Longview. Beyond her community and church involvement, Betty Lyn was a talented artist. She expressed her creativity through needlework, pen and ink, painting and clay folk art. She found joy in connecting with people, regularly enjoying mahjong and bridge games with longtime friends. Betty Lyn found comfort and joy in her new home at Magnolia Court in Nacogdoches, where she spent her final years.

Her family is deeply grateful to the devoted staff of Magnolia Court and her exceptional personal caregivers, including Tammie Jarrell and Yolanda Underwood, whose skill, kindness and humor made a lasting difference in her life. The family also extends a heartfelt thank you to the dedicated staff at Hospice of East Texas for their compassionate care and support during Betty Lyn’s final days.

Betty Lyn is survived by her daughter-in-law, Sandra Collier; granddaughter, Nicole Collier; niece, Phyllis (Howard) Lisby; nephews, Steve (Kate) Bruner and Jason (George) Theilengerdes; and goddaughter, Robin Lynn (Scott) Glasgow.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Joe Collier; son, Ken Collier; sister, Barbara (Bobbie) Dunn; brother, Jim Bruner; and niece, Andrea Dunn Theilengerdes.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Dr. Ken Collier Legislative Internship Program (sfasu.edu/collier) or Planned Parenthood.