On Christmas Eve, December 24, 2002, while preparing one of her holiday specialties, a pecan pie for Christmas dinner, Katie had a massive stroke. She sat down on the kitchen floor, crawled to the telephone and called for help. Katie was born, raised and lived her life in Southeastern Oklahoma. She was born in Idabel, and was the firstborn child of Eddie and Dovie Mae Coleman. The Coleman's ultimately had six daughters and one son. Eddie Coleman died in 1938, leaving Katie to help her mother provide for and raise her sisters and brother. Katie went to elementary and high schools in Hayworth, Oklahoma. By age eighteen, Katie and her family had moved to Ada, Oklahoma. Katie got her first salaried job working at the local F.W. Woolworth Store. In 1939, at age 19, she met and married Scruggs Collier. Katie and Scruggs had two children. Scruggs died in 1952 at age 49, leaving Katie with two children to raise, a daughter, 7, and a son, 12. The family's sole means of support was her job at Seamprufe. Born and raised a devout Southern Baptist, Katie was totally dedicated to living a Christian way of life and has been a loyal member of McAlester's First Baptist Church since 1949. Katie dedicated her life to her family and being a success. She completed her education at night school, bought her own home, and succeeded in being a highly respected employee of North American (Boeing), being one of the first of their employees in McAlester. She retired as an inspector after 31 years of service. Most of the things Katie accomplished were done quietly with such devotion and skill that most people would never know the depth of her dedication and commitment. She was an outgoing gardener, gourmand, Christian and lady. She was meticulous in dress, always elegantly and appropriately attired for the event. Her favorites in life: Family, church, friends, fashion, conversation, her home, yard, plants, laughing, travel, and people. Cooking and food preparation were her favorites among her many interests. Festive holidays were always her highlight times of the year. She ran a close second to Hallmark in preparing and celebrating for each holiday. Her closets bulge to this day with decorations for the various seasons. She always had a friendly word for everyone. She was a true "People Person" who never met a stranger. She was a true conversationalist. No one ever forgot meeting her. Katie Mae Coleman Collier, died at McAlester Regional Health Center on Saturday, April 7, 2007. Services were held on Tuesday, April 10, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at Bishop Chapel of Memories with the Rev. W. Lee "Dub" Brown officiating. Burial was in the Masonic Section of Oak Hill Cemetery in McAlester, under the direction of Bishop Funeral Service. We honor Katie thus for her true love, her faith, her tireless devotion, and her lasting memory. God's speed sweet Katie. We will always ... always ... love you. You will be greatly missed and never ever forgotten. Until we meet again.