Laura J. (Henson) Collier of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born March 14, 1935, in Newport, Arkansas, the daughter of William Richard and Anna Belle (Mink) Henson.
Miss Laura Jane Henson was married to Dr. James David Collier, Sr., on June 21, 1950, and they enjoyed 66 years of marriage. She worked alongside Dr. Collier as the office manager of Dr. J.D. Collier Optometric Practice for 25 years. Mrs. Collier then continued to work part-time for Dr. Frank Love until her retirement in 1997. Following retirement, she worked as Executive Director of Disaster Relief in Jackson County until 1998, when the office was closed, and was a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Team.
Mrs. Collier was an active member and supporter of her community. She served as President of the State Auxiliary to the Optometric Association and was a member of the State PTA Board and the area PTA Coordinator. Additionally, she was the past president of the Newport Service League, Beta Sigma Phi, and the VFW Auxiliary. Mrs. Collier was also involved with the American Legion Auxiliary, Newport Business and Professional Women (BPW), and the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary. Beyond her work with veteran groups, she contributed to various local civic clubs and boards. She served as a mentor at the Newport Public School, supervised Jackson County in Action, and was a board member for the TEA Coalition and the White River Battered Women’s Shelter.
Mrs. Collier was a lifelong member of the Baptist Church, where she held various roles throughout her service. She served as the choir and youth director at Southside Baptist Church and as the choir director at Immanuel Baptist Church. Additionally, she was a member of the Arkansas Baptist State Singing Women, participating in several foreign choir mission trips with the Amon Baker Choral Group and working with the Black River Baptist Association. Mrs. Collier was also a long-time member of Newport First Baptist Church, where she continued her dedication as a teacher and volunteer.
Mrs. Collier possessed a true servant’s heart, volunteering at the McPherson Unit where she earned her Certified Religious Associate (CRA) designation. In 2005, she was honored as the State Volunteer of the Year for her contributions to the prison. Since the formation of the Gideon Camp in Newport in 1980, Mrs. Collier has served on the Auxiliary, holding various positions, including past president. Her passion focused on distributing scriptures to everyone, but she especially cherished the opportunity to witness to the women at the McPherson Unit.
In her later years, Mrs. Collier dedicated her volunteer hours to Esther House, a rehabilitation center for women. She found joy in visiting the residents, listening when they needed someone to talk to, offering advice when requested, and showing compassion for them. Mrs. Collier provided help and encouragement to assist them in reintegrating into the community and staying on the right track. Mrs. Collier was a busy woman who loved caring for others and being of service to everyone. Above all, she cherished her family.
Mrs. Collier was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-six years, Dr. J.D. Collier, Sr.; one daughter, Jennifer Suzette Porter; and her parents.
She is survived by one son, James David Collier, Jr., of North Carolina; two grandchildren, David Anthony Collier and Jonathan Walter Collier; seven great-grandchildren, Blake, Alaina, Wren, Aubree, Addaleigh, Remi, and Levi; and a lifetime of friends.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 72, Newport, AR 72112; Arkansas Baptist Children’s Home, 10 Remington Drive, Little Rock, AR 72204, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38015, or to the Laura and James Collier Scholarship Fund, Arkansas State University-Newport, 7648 Victory Boulevard, Newport, AR 72112.
Funeral services are private; by invitation only.
