Nancy L. Collier

Nancy L. Collier, age 76 of Dayton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on April 4, 2026, at the Arcadia Care Center in Trotwood, OH, after a brief illness. Born on February 13, 1950, in Dayton, Nancy was a woman of warmth and kindness, known for her sweet nature complemented by a spunky spirit that endeared her to all who knew her.

She attended Colonel White High School, and dedicated part of her working years to the bakery at Kroger in Englewood. Beyond her career, Nancy had a gentle heart and after her retirement in 2011, she lovingly cared for her mother, Mary Beatty (nee Ritz).

Nancy had a passion for travel, often exploring new places alongside her mother and sister, Candy. She cherished taking leisurely drives to enjoy the changing scenery and held a particular fondness for flowers, which brought color and joy into her days. 

She is dearly missed by her beloved children—Doreen McCray, Dorothy Redford, and Bennie Collier, III., her 7 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Nancy was also a dear sister to her siblings Thomas (Tamara) Highfield, Candace (Gary) Weaver, Jack (Mary) Highfield, and Vicki Patterson, all of whom remember her fondly.

Nancy was preceded in death by her husband Bennie Collier, Jr.; her father Thomas Highfield; her mother Mary Beatty and step-father Arthur Beatty; and her brother, Guy Highfield. Their memories remain a treasured part of her story.

Friends and loved ones are invited to gather in remembrance of Nancy’s life on May 9, 2026, at Westbrock Kettering, located at 5980 Bigger Road, Kettering, OH 45440. The visitation will be held from 2:00 PM until 3:00 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life beginning at 3:00 PM.