Carmalita O'Connor Alexander Collier, daughter of the late Virgil A. and Blanche Pollock O'Conner, was born October 04, 1920 in Senath, Missouri and passed away August 04, 2021 in Falls Church, Virginia at the age of 100 years.

Carmalita began a public school teaching career of 47 years at the age of 18.  She became a member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She received her education at Senath-Hornersville Schools, Arkansas State University, Denver University, Kent State, and Southwest Baptist University.  She held various offices and received awards for her work in public schools. Lasting and endearing friendships of patrons, teachers, and students developed during these years.

The members of the Hornersville Chapter 523 Order of the Eastern Star honored Carmalita a 70 year member. Carmalita  went into the order when she was 18 years old, followed throughout the chairs and stations  and then became the youngest Worthy Matron the state of Missouri has ever boasted.  She was initiated into the Senath Chapter 292 and followed on when the chapter consolidated with the Hornersville chapter.  Her mother, Blanche O'Connor McElyea was also a 75 year  member of the OES,Senath Chapter 292 and Hornersville Chapter 523  Before she died at the age of 98, she was Worthy Matron of the Order three times, filled all the chairs and was organist for many years.  Carmalita has been a teacher in public schools for 47 years in Senath, Hornersville, and Brentwood, MO, and Alexandria, VA.  She was a member of civic and music organizations.

Carmalita became a Christian at age eleven and was baptized at age eighteen. She fulfilled responsibilities in her church, was a Sunday School  Teacher, organist and pianist, served in missionary groups and was a deaconess for many years, serving both her church and community.  Carmalita loved her Christianity, her family, and her schools.

She leaves daughters:   Lisa and Laura, and foster daughter, Teri

Son-in-law: James Short, Jr

Companion: James Brown

Longtime friends: Kenny and Diane Johnson, several nieces, one nephew,  other relatives, and many friends.

She was preceded in death by an infant son, Pollock  in 1950, daughter, Melissa in 2011,

brother, Virgil G. O'Connor, husband, Leroy Alexander in 1974, and husband Carl Collier in 1988

A Graveside service will be Tuesday, August 10, 11:00 A.M. at the Senath Cemetery with Rev. Chris Hicks officiating. There will be no visitation.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Senath in charge of the arrangements.