Gloria Elaine (Barnett) Collier

Gloria Elaine Barnett-Collier, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 18, 2023, at her home.
Gloria was born on January 29, 1938, in Kansas City, Kansas.

She was the youngest of six children born to the late Andrew and Fannie (Carroll) Barnett Sr.

During her grade school years, she attended KCK public schools and was a proud member of the Sumner High School Class of 1956. Growing up, Gloria was always friendly and outgoing. She knew everyone in the neighborhood, and everyone knew Gloria! Eighty-five years later, this had stayed the same; it was impossible to go too far in Kansas City with Gloria and not meet many family and friends while you were with her. 

Early in life, Gloria worked outside the home in various capacities before starting a family and joining the KCK School district at Bryant Elementary as school secretary. A consummate organizer, teacher, and nurturer, this was the perfect role for her. After the closure of Bryant Elementary, she transferred to Grant Elementary and continued serving as an Administrative Secretary to the principal. After 30 years, she ended her career at Northwest Middle School, retiring to become a caregiver for her mother. Her active involvement and dedication to the school community touched many lives, and people fondly remember Mrs. Collier and her friendly, helpful demeanor. 

After her mother's passing, Mrs. Collier spent many days and nights on the banks of Wyandotte County Lake, as she was an avid fisher and met many friends there. Gloria loved to laugh, listen to music, dance, and always enjoyed making delicious meals from her childhood from recipes passed down from her loving mother. 

Gloria accepted Jesus Christ at an early age. She was a longtime member of Open Door Baptist Church. She later decided to join her family at Grace Tabernacle Family Life Center under the leadership of Pastor Mark Dupree, Sr.. She was a devoted church member and served on the motherboard until her health began to fail. Even then, Gloria remained a steadfast woman of faith, and as she had done for over 65 years, she continued to remind her family of the power of prayer and putting everything in God's hands.

Gloria was blessed with a loving family and always enjoyed holidays and spending time with her family and friends in her home. She was the loving and proud mother of three children, three grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. As a true matriarch, she embraced each family member and countless others who became part of her extended family. She especially loved her grandchildren and great-grandchild; becoming "Nanny" was one of her greatest joys.  Nanny loved traveling with her grandchildren. She looked forward to every summer vacation. Florida, Memphis, New Orleans, Mississippi, California, and more! When the car was ready, she was prepared to hop in.

Gloria was indeed a lady of distinction. She was "fancy"! Her presence was felt the moment she entered any room, and she exuded grace and elegance. Gloria's style and sharp fashion were indeed larger than life, but in an especially down-to-earth way, which makes it hard to quantify the breadth of her legacy. She loved the finer things but could always stay grounded and turn the simplest item or event into an extravagant ordeal. She loved shopping and clothes; whether it was the thrift store or department store didn't matter. She made it amazing. She could rock animal print in any color at any age, knowing just how to accessorize to look breathtaking. She was witty and loved to tease anyone all along, having that recognizable smirk on her face that made sure you knew it was all love. As much as she loved sparkle, she was determined that her love for her family and Heavenly Father shined the brightest. 

As she would always tell us: “Keep Your Praise On”!

Gloria was preceded  in death by her parents, Andrew Barnett Sr. and Fannie Carroll Barnett; Husband, Thomas W. Collier, Sr.; Sisters: Maxine Franklin and Inell Cromer; brother, Andrew Barnett, Jr., Richard Barnett, Sr.; Daughter, Jacqueline Terri Lloyd

Gloria leaves to cherish her memories: her daughter, Joyce Jamison Smith (Virgil) of Kansas City,KS; Son, Andre Lloyd of Kansas City, KS; Granddaughters, Kristi Smith High (Kareem) of Shawnee, KS, Andrea Davis (Andrew) of Kansas City, KS, Gabrielle Conner-Lloyd and Tess Connor-Ortiz of Olathe, KS; Great-grandson. Kaleb Jordan High of Shawnee, KS; Son in love, Michael J. Tucker of Kansas City, KS, Sister: Norma Jean Bell, Kansas City, KS, brother in love, Charles Cromer, Farmington Hills, MI and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

“For I am now ready to be offered and the time of my departure is at hand.  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.”  II Timothy 4:6-7

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