Melissa Collier Smart

Melissa Collier Smart, age 37, of Columbus, Georgia died Friday, August 8, 2008 at her residence. She was laid to rest at Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus on Monday, August 11, 2008. A memorial service will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, August 16 at Scanio-Harper Funeral Home in Temple with Rev. Mark Labaj officiating. Ms. Smart was born October 28, 1970 in Temple, the daughter of Jack and Dorothy (Sefcik) Collier. She was a graduate of Troy High School. Ms. Smart attended and graduated from Blue Mountain University in Blue Mountain, Mississippi using a basketball scholarship she earned. She later attended and earned a master's degree from Baylor University in Waco. Ms. Smart will be remembered as a loving mother, daughter, sister, homemaker and a passionate teacher and coach. Her love of teaching children and the lessons she imparted will continue to impact lives for generations to come. Survivors include her parents, Jack and Dorothy Sefcik Collier of Killeen, two daughters, Carly and Callen Smart of Columbus, GA, one brother, Brian Collier of El Paso and numerous friends and relatives. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in her memory to Mental Health America (formerly NMHA), Attn: Gift Office, P.O. Box 16810, Alexandria, VA 22302-0810.