Ashley Jerome (Jerry) Collier

Ashley Jerome Collier entered earthly existence on August 27, 1948.  Harry and Flora (Dupree) Collier now have the honor and pleasure as parents to this precious baby boy.  Jerry’s (short for Jerome) journey began on Van Buren Street, Danville, Illinois.  

Jerry was baptized at an early age at Union Baptist Church.  Jerry attended Sunday School, member of the youth choir and member of youth ushers.  Jerry continued to believe and trust God until his journey was complete.

Jerry attended Collett Grade School, East Park Junior High School, and Danville High School.  Following graduation from Danville High School, Jerry attended Danville Junior College (now Danville Area Community College) and YMCA 
Community College, Chicago, Illinois.  

While in Chicago, Jerry worked at a funeral home owned by his cousin, Floyd Dupree.  Jerry became interested in Mortuary Science and attended Worsham College of Mortuary Science.  Jerry returned to Danville and was employed at 
Brown Memorial Home.

Jerry’s journey included employment with Hyster Co, Danville Fire Department, Illinois State Police, United States Postal Service, Jackson, Mississippi Public School District, State of Indiana, and Crosspoint Human Services.  

Jerry earned an Associate Degree at YMCA Community College, Bachelor’s degree at Eastern Illinois University and a Master’s degree at Butler University. 

Jerry enjoyed cooking, reading, playing his trumpet and conga drums, listening to jazz music, and growing a variety of house plants.  Jerry often played conga drums with various bands in the Illinois and Indiana areas. 

Jerry’s love for sports called him to referee basketball, football, and umpire baseball for many years.  Also, coaching the Raiders youth football league and Assistant football coach at Danville High School.  Jerry enjoyed working with 
youth, keeping them encouraged to do their best in sports and academics.

Jerry was a member for over 50 years of Corinthian Lodge #31 F&AM, Prince Hall, State of Illinois, and served as Worshipful Master.  A member of Goldenrod Chapter #55 Order of the Eastern Star and served as Worthy Patron.

Jerry enjoyed traveling and often shared with family and friends his traveling experiences and good times.

Jerry was always giving advice to his grandchildren about education and how to plan for their future years.  Jerry always enjoyed time spent  with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Jerry loved family!  It did not matter how close or how far he would have to travel to be with family.  Family reunions, family birthdays, holidays, family whatever, Jerry would be there.

Jerry looked forward to having Sunday dinner with his sisters, Becie and Val.  Friends called them “triplets” because they were often together.

Jerry leaves to cherish his memory, four daughters, Kimberly Neither, Harbor City, CA, Jacquelyn R Collier, Peoria, IL, Karla Jackson, Colorado Springs, CO, Andrea Williams, Danville, IL, two sons, Denver D Brigham, Danville, IL, Langston M Hobbs, Phoenix, AZ.  Thirteen grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren.  Many cousins, other relatives, friends, and 
neighbors.

Jerry is preceded in death by parents, maternal grandparents, paternal grandparents, a foster sister, two granddaughters.

Jerry departed this earthly existence on Sunday, December 18, 2022, to be with his heavenly father.

Jerry’s journey on this side ends.  On the other side (John 14:2,3), Jerry is at home.

Jerry…your family bids you farewell.  We will see you in the morning, on the other side.

A memorial service will commence at 12:00 Noon on Saturday January 7, 2022 at The Masonic Temple 109 W. North St, Danville.

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