Mrs. Carrie Austin Collier

A gracious, loving, and caring woman in body and spirit heard God whisper to her ever so softly, "Well Done My Good and Faithful Servant" Monday, February 20, 2023. Carrie Austin Collier was born in Jackson, Mississippi on October 24, 1940 to the late Steve Austin and the late Dora Williams Austin. She was a resident of the Mississippi Gulf Coast for more than fifty years. As a young child, Carrie accepted Jesus as her personal Savior and embraced Baptist faith in Jackson, Mississippi. She believed in God and lived life based on Christian principles Carrie enjoyed reading her Bible and inspirational books. She was always ready to tell others about God's goodness and promises. Carrie met, fell in love and was married to the love of her life Earsell Collier, Sr. Their marriage lasted sixty -three and a half years and was blessed by the birth of a daughter Winnell, a son, Earsell, Jr. and another daughter Angela. Their children were the recipients of strong loving parental support involvement. As parents, they always encouraged Winell Earsell, Jr. and Angela to do their best, regardless of the task. Carrie was consistent in thanking God for the blessings He bestowed, including skills and the ability to be an excellent worker. She was professional educator whose teaching career spanned throughout various counties in Mississippi. But, according to Carrie, her greatest legacy as an educator, was to create Faith and Hope Learning Center. She truly stepped out in Faith! Yes, it took faith to leave a school district and embark on becoming self-employed. Carrie possessed a burning desire to provide preschoolers with a sound foundation in reading, math and writing. HOPE gave her the motivation to achieve a vast number of goals. She impacted the lives of many children and their parents. Most of the students taught at Faith and Hope Learning Center have careers and are residing in every corner of this beautiful world. She felt so blessed to serve GREAT STUDENTS, parents, grand and great-grandparents and yes, dedicated employees. Carrie overwhelmingly gave ALL the praise, glory and honor to GOD!! Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day to day. - 2 Corinthians 4:16 (NIV) When the doctor's prognosis was bleak, she didn't become perturbed. She knew God was going to bless her with eternal life with Him in Heaven. As Carrie's time on earth was frawing to a close, she found comfort in the lyrics of "My Soul is Anchored in the Lord." It is Well with My Soul" and "Take Me to the King." Her prayer was, "Dear Lord, I am in awe of the human spirit that grows stronger and more beautiful with life's challenges." ~Sabra Ciancanelli Walking in Grace - page 53 She found consolation in reading her favorite Bible verse. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. ~ John 14:3 Precious memories will be cherished forever by her loving and devoted husband earsell Colliers, Sr, her loving and caring son Earsell Collier, Jr; her loving and caring daughters, Winnell (Earl) Lovette and Angela Collier; her grandchildren Mitchell Dawson, Carrie Dawson and Hassen Dorsey; her great-grandchildren Maliah Dawson, Macie Dawson and Carson Wilson; her stepsisters and step brothers; cousins, in-laws and a host of other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Carrie Austin Collier

October 24, 1940 - February 20, 2023