Gayle Collier Smith

Funeral services for Mrs. Gayle Berniece Smith, 70, of Louisiana, Missouri will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at the Collier Funeral Home in Louisiana, Missouri. Dr. Earl Wood will officiate. Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, March 12th at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Riverview Cemetery in Louisiana, Missouri. Gayle passed away Friday, March 8, 2013 at Mercy Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri. She was born January 14, 1943 in Kansas City, Missouri the daughter of George M. Collier and Berniece Brown Collier. She married Allen R. Smith August 24, 1962 at the home of her parents in Louisiana and he survives. Gayle is also survived by her daughter, Paige Suanne Alexander and husband Jeff of Chesterfield, Missouri, Four grandsons; Chase Collier, Christian Michael, Cameron Allen and Carter Jack Alexander all of Chesterfield, Missouri and a sister, Suanne Gage of Charlotte, North Carolina, Nephews; Justin Gage and wife, Mellissa of Los Angeles, California and Tyler Gage and wife, Amy of Charlotte, North Carolina, Sister-in-law, Pansy Smith of Pleasant Hill, Illinois, an Aunt, Berniece Brown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, Nieces and Nephews, Great Nieces and Great Nephews and cousins She was preceded in death by a daughter Gayle Rae Smith who passed away in infancy, grandson Caleb Jeffrey Alexander passed away at birth, her mother, Berniece Collier who passed away October 9, 1993 and her father, George M. Collier who passed away October 25, 2012. Gayle graduated from the Louisiana High School with the class of 1961. She was a medical assistant at the Pike County Medical Clinic in Louisiana for a few years, followed by employment at Stark Bro’s Garden Center. Because of her love for designing landscape she was affectionately nicknamed, “the garden center lady” by her family, and was always pleased to be the consultant on many of their landscaping endeavors. She then decided to pursue her life long desire to become a Nurse, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Hannibal LaGrange College at Hannibal, Missouri. After graduation she was employed at the Pike County Memorial Hospital in Louisiana as a Registered Nurse, where she quickly found her niche serving as the house supervisor on the evening shift until her retirement. Gayle was blessed with an abundance of lifelong friendships started during her working years in Louisiana. Even after her retirement, Gayle still cherished these bonds. The next chapter in her life began with the birth of Chase Collier Alexander, and she joyfully began the position of GG (Grandma Gayle) to her four grandsons. This was to be her proudest accomplishment. Gayle took the greatest enjoyment in being ever present in their lives and had even taken up temporary residence, along with PaPa Al just a few miles away from them in St. Louis. Friday nights were special for the boys because they would spend the night at GG and PaPa’s house. The evening would begin with a trip to the grocery store to stock up on all their favorite treats. Gayle spent her last years attending all things related to them and was their friend, confidant, and cheerleader. GG was an exceptional grandmother. Gayle always had a kind word and a smile for those in need, and was always generous at heart. She was well known for her caring concern for others and was always willing to listen, lend a shoulder to cry on, or provide advice if it was sought. Gayle was a member of the First Baptist Church in Louisiana, a member of PEO Chapter GH, and a member of the Louisiana Town Club. Gayle was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. Words cannot express the profound sorrow felt at her passing, and she will be greatly missed by her family. Pallbearers are: Karl Dewey, Philip Smith, Galen Johnson, Mick Garrett, Reginald L. Penberthy and Walter Logan. Memorials may be given to C.A.P.A. Animal Shelter or to the First Baptist Church in care of Collier Funeral Homes, Inc., 117 Barnard Dr., Louisiana, M0 63353

Gayle Collier Smith

January 14, 1943 - March 8, 2013