Ms. Juliaphine Collier

Juliaphine Collier, affectionately known as “Phine” or “Nurse Collier,” transitioned peacefully on September 5, 2025, at OCH in Starkville, Mississippi, at the blessed age of 91. She was born on December 22, 1933, in Starkville to Jessie Mae Boyd Collier and Theodis Collier. Raised in the Rock Hill community, Juliaphine attended Oktibbeha County Training School from pre-primer through twelfth grade, where she proudly graduated. Shortly after, she relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, where she worked in the restaurant and tavern business while raising her young family, Cheryl, Douglas, Kenny, Pam and Tina. She later return to Starkville, where she gave birth to Dwight and found her true calling as a Nurse’s Aid. Juliaphine worked alongside Dr. Eckford and at Dr. Laird’s clinic, before serving faithfully at the Oktibbeha County Hospital for many years until her retirement. Juliaphine was a woman of deep faith, compassion, and service. She dedicated more than seventy years of her life to Griffin United Methodist Church, where she joyfully sang in the choir and served as President of the United Methodist Women. She also played an instrumental role in keeping her graduating class connected, helping organize reunions and fellowship opportunities. Known for her warm spirit and giving heart, Juliaphine enjoyed cooking, shopping, singing, and spending time with family and friends. She will always be remembered for her nurturing nature, her unshakable faith, and her love of community. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jessie Mae and Theodis Collier; her siblings, John, Luther, Shirley, Lula, and Tinnie; and her beloved children, Pamela and Kenneth Collier. She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted children: Cheryl (Jesse) Smith of Jackson, MS, Douglas Collier of Starkville, MS, Tina Collier of Clinton, MS, and Dwight (Sabrina) Collier of Gonzales, LA. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Dequandra (Sharif) Muhammad of McDonough, GA, Taylor Collier Young of Clinton, MS, Durrell (Andrea) Thomas of Gonzales, LA, Darnesha Collier of Gonzales, LA; and her great-grandchildren: Imani Muhammad, Nia Muhammad, Arayah Muhammad, Sharif Muhammad, Dillon Toby, Laila Muhammad, Surelle Thomas, Ayla Thomas, and Destiny Collier. She also leave to cherish her memories a host of nieces and nephews. Juliaphine’s life was a true reflection of love, resilience, and faith. She touched countless lives as a daughter, sister, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin, nurse, and friend. Though she will be deeply missed, her memory and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

Tributes

Ms. Juliaphine Collier

December 22, 1933 - September 5, 2025