Obituary of Sterling Winslow Collier

Sterling Winslow Collier, 69, left this world on December 6, 2016 after a courageous battle with cancer. He passed from this life in Joliet, IL surrounded by those that loved him dearly. Sterling was born on Nov. 3, 1947 in DeKalb County, Georgia. He was raised by Hollis and Dorothy Collier along with his two younger sisters Donna and Renee. He spent his childhood days competing in sports, riding his horse named General, and playing in the red Georgia clay. Sterling graduated from Rockdale High School in 1965. In 1967 he was called by his country to proudly serve in the 1st Air Cavalry Division of the US Army for which he was awarded the Purple Heart for his service. In 1973, Sterling met and married Jo Ann Robinson, to whom he was married for 43 years. They began their life together exemplifying what it meant to be hard working in marriage, help meets for each other, and took their vows seriously. Sterling held many jobs over the years, including air traffic controller and electrician. But he found his calling as a Gospel Preacher and continued to do so for over 40 years until his retirement in 2013. His duties as Gospel Preacher took him to many towns throughout Illinois, Ohio and Texas. He also thoroughly enjoyed driving a school bus for 17 years through Geneva School District. Sterling is survived by his wife, Jo Ann; their children, son Joshua (Terra) Collier, daughter Jessica (Alex) Wakefield, and daughter Allison (Nick) Sabosta. He was also survived by the joys of his life in the form of his grandchildren, Jillian, Megan, Melody, Jenna, Chelsea, Bayliss, and Madison. Sterling also leaves behind sisters, Donna (Phillip) Dorn and Renee (Gary) Arnold; a sister-in-law Sherry Robinson; and much loved nieces, nephews, and cousins. A Memorial Service for Sterling Winslow Collier will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL. As it was his wish, cremation rites have been accorded. A Memorial Gathering will be held Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to time of service at 1:00 p.m. Inurnment Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery at a later date. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com.