Shelby Ferguson Collier, 75, Indianapolis, passed to her eternal home early Friday morning, June 6th, 2014. She is survived by her loving husband Don and children and grandchildren, Joy Prather and husband Kerry, Larry Wilson, Niki LeFever, Kelly Miller and husband Benjamin, Kathleen Wildman, Samuel Cody Wildman, Heather LeFever, and Hunter LeFever.
Visitation and services are being held at Cornerstone Baptist Church, 10701 E. 56th Street, Indianapolis. Visitation is Thursday, June 12th from 4-7 pm. Services are Friday, June 13th at 9 am. She will be laid to rest at the Marion National Cemetery, Marion Indiana.
Shelby attended Rushville High School and was a member of “The 12 Girls” singing group. As a member of the group she traveled to Indianapolis to perform and the group was featured in the Indianapolis Star.
She worked in the hospitality industry her entire career. Her career began at the Durbin Hotel in Rushville and she later worked for the Durbin’s when they opened the first Marriott in Indianapolis. After many years she helped to open the Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza at Union Station. She retired after working may years at the Omni Hotel and Resort on 82nd St.
Shelby was a devoted wife to her husband Don – they were married for 27 years. She was an excellent cook and loved to do it. She loved music and was always listening to her favorite gospel performers. She loved spending time with her family and especially looked forward to family reunions so she could spend time with her entire family, many of whom lived some distance away.
Shelby was a member and volunteer of the Cornerstone Baptist Church. In addition to her work at the church she was part of a singing ministry where she led fellowship and song at the Westminster Senior home. She cherished the people at Westminster and was so excited when someone new began to participate.
She was a devoted member of the Cornerstone congregation. She loved and respected the church leaders and the other congregation members. She had a great group of friends through the CBC. Many of the friends she met there were so close that she considered them family – and they are. They’ve continued to show their love, support, and guidance to her family during her illness and afterward.
Shelby was a rare gem that touched the hearts of everyone she knew and met. She loved Jesus with all of her heart and fought daily for the salvation of those she loved and for whom she cared.
Those who knew her will miss her until we are reunited again.
Melody Rowlett says
So sorry for your and your families loss. Now she is leading a choir of angels singing in heaven. You will always have her with you in your heart and memories. You are blessed because you got to be the one to make the most memories with her and your Grandpa. Let me know if you need anything 317-640-1413 Mel
Nicky Leimberger says
I worked with Shelby at the Marriott back in the day. She was so full of life and always had something funny to say. Whenever I’ve thought about Shelby over the years, it always made me smile. She truly was a rare gem.
Darla Wade says
My thoughts and prayers are with Don and the family. Shelby was one of a kindest people I ever met. I have a lot of funny and good memories from when we worked together at Union Station. You taught us all so much Shelby, thank you.