In 1976, Kathryn was tapped to start the HUD Rental Assistance Housing Program in Drew County. This program has existed and expanded through the years to include the latest addition, the Handicapped Apartments. Kathryn oversaw the construction and the funding for this addition to the program. However, Kathryn readily admits the smartest thing she did was hire Samantha Berry as a secretary. Samantha has been named the Executive Director, totally runs the ADFA Home Program, and other aspects of the business.
Although Kathryn's talents are numerous, her hobbies were: anything to do with cooking, traveling, playing bridge and recently crocheting. She was happy when she was planning a party, such as her legendary Christmas party for her lady friends, or even a small dinner party for her birthday group. Regardless of the size of the party, each one received meticulous planning; from the composition of the menu to how the table would look. Kathryn actually was happiest when cooking for her parties or for her friends, and she was known for her late-night cooking sprees.
If there is one word that would have described Kathryn, it would be "generous". She was generous to a fault with her time, her cooking talent, and her willingness to help people, particularly if such help pertained to the culinary arts. She and her friend, the late Sue Cathey, spent a lot of time working in the kitchen, with each one telling the other what to do, and, yes, even how to do it.
Kathryn is survived by two sons, Frederick (Fred) Lowe Collier (Selena) of Watertown, South Dakota, and Louis (Lou) Erwin Collier (Jeannie) of Halley, Arkansas; two grandchildren, Elise Collier and Larsen Collier; a brother, Miles Whitaker Lowe, of Selma; and two nephews, Vernon Lowe of San Diego, California, and Tillman Lowe (Heather), of Selma, Arkansas. Also surviving is a great niece, Alex Lowe.
A memorial service for Kathryn will be Saturday, March 31, 2018 @ 11:00am at the First United Methodist Church, Monticello, Arkansas. The family requests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, 317 South Main Street, Monticello, AR, 71655. Online guestbook www.stephensondearman.com.
Condolences(22)
John and Lisa Svendsen
Little Rock, AR Wednesday, April 18, 2018 With great remorse we offer our deepest condolences to family, friends and loved ones of Ms. Kathryn Collier. We consider ourselves blessed to have been graced by her friendship. Kathryn was truly an exceptional woman -- tough as nails yet sensitive to the needs of others, outwardly positive at all times and a great cook -- we just loved her "cheesy crackers"! Yum. Yum. Kathryn was a true "lady" -- always well dressed and well prepared -- in another world she would hold her head high as if of nobility but walk among the peasants. Kathryn will be deeply missed yet we will hold on dearly to her memory, her smile, her friendship and beautiful essence until the days of our lives.Phyllis Stanford Mosley
Sheridan, AR Monday, April 9, 2018 Freddie(Fred) and Lou,I have no idea if you remember me, but I certainly knew you growing up! Fred, you were my first baby to ever be responsible for when our parents would visit, and I truly fell in love with you! You, along with my cousin Kevin, were candle bearers at my wedding, and I loved your deep voice when you were a little boy! Lou, I didn't know you as well, but I do remember you had an easy going personality, and was always smiling! Your mom was my math teacher at one time, and I'm sure that I was one of her tougher challenges, I'm still not great at math. I was visiting my mom the other day and learned of your mother's passing and I am so sorry! I remember her as a sparkling personality that had so much energy, and from reading about her, that never stopped through the years! Please know that you are in my and Towny's prayers. We lost my dad at the beginning of March, and feel like we may know a little of what you are going through. If you should need anything at all, please email. God bless.....
Sissy Bray
Monticello, AR Wednesday, April 4, 2018 Your mom was a great friend. I am really going to miss her if i can do anything for yalls family please let me know. Here is my phone number 723 7981Gwen Stanford
Selma, AR Tuesday, April 3, 2018 Freddie and Lou:I had no idea this had happened! I am so sorry. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Miyoshi Leonard Smith "Meme"
Selma, AR Monday, April 2, 2018 Prayers from our family to the family of Kathryn Lowe Collier. A lady to be remembered. Always a smile on her lovely face. May God give you all the strength you need.Marijo Pruett Miles
Springfield, MO Monday, April 2, 2018 So very sorry for the recent loss of your mother .I remember many fun times we had together from snow skiing trips to wall papering and redoing your house in Western Pines. My prayers and thoughts are with you allNiakki Johnson
Dumas, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 I was very sad to learn of Kathryn's passing. I knew her through many years in public housing and admired her so much. She was such a leader in Arkansas' public housing association and she touched so many of us. She will always be remembered and she will always be loved by those who knew her.Robert Moore
Selma, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 So sorry for your loss, Ms. Kathryn was a wonderful professional lady.linda funderburg
monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 my condolence to the family kathryn will be missed ... i will miss our visits together.she was sweet friend.. God bless her familyTina and Ray Ferguson
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 Dear Family,My memories are when you lived in Western Pines. Your mom was an awesome lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time and for the days to come.
Our sincere condolences.
BARBARA NEWTON
MONTICELLO, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS! I CHERISH THE MEMORIES OF YA'LL WHEN YOU LIVED NEXT DOOR. YOU ARE IN MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS.Barbara McElroy
Monticello, AR Friday, March 30, 2018 I have known Kathryn for a very long time. Family I know she will be missed. You are in my thoughts and prayers.Doug and Darlene Hunt Brinkley, AR
Brinkley, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 So sorry to hear of Kathryn's passing. I have known her for the past 54 years through Public Housing, A very good friend.May God be with all as they grief her lose.Doug and
Darlene Hunt
Louise Funderburg
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 So sorry Katharine that you suffered so much.i enjoyed every meal I had at your house and you at mine. What great times we had around James and Sue's table.i will miss youIrma James
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 My special thoughts and prayers are with you. Kathryn and I spent lots of time together and had some fun times sharing our friendship.Janice Gladden Wiggam
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 Kathryn was a friend and dear lady! May God give you comfort and peace at this time. You are in my thoughts and prayers.ALAN & SUSAN TURNBO
CABOT, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 We are so sorry for your loss, Kathryn was a great friend and we will miss her.Kay McClain Worbington
Monticello, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 To Kathryn's Family, You are all in my prayers at the loss of your loved one. You have my sympathy at this very sad time!Debra Kelly
Denver, CO Thursday, March 29, 2018 I'm so sorry to hear of Kathryn's passing. I haven't seen her in many years but she and Miles and the Lowe family were part of my childhood growing up at Selma. Prayers of peace and comfort and good memories for her family.John McGaha
, AR Thursday, March 29, 2018 Lou / FredWe are so sorry for your loss. Theresa and I will keep your family in our prayers as you go through this difficult time.
John & Theresa McGaha
Lowell F Lynde Jr
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 28, 2018 I was really sorry to hear about Kathryn's death. My sincere condolences go to all her family. She was a great cook and I loved her pasta salad. Finally we were able to get her to the duplicate bridge table. May she rest in peace and may her family and friends be blessed with lots of happy memories.James and Kathy Berry
Monticello, AR Wednesday, March 28, 2018 Collier FamilyWe are so sorry for your loss.
Kathy Bates Berry D.C.H. class 1960