Mrs. Saundra Jean "Sonnie" (Collier) Soper, age 79, of Keystone Heights Obituary

Mrs. Saundra Jean “Sonnie” (Collier) Soper, age 79, of Keystone Heights passed away at her home Tuesday, December 17, 2019. She was born in Salem, Illinois December 26, 1939, (One day younger than Jesus!) to Noble and Thelma (Bryant) Collier who are now in Heaven. Sonnie gave her life to the Lord and was baptized during her sophomore year in high school. While in high school she worked part time as a secretary to the minister at First Christian Church in Salem, IL. This minister also officiated at her wedding in July 1957. Sonnie was born into a musical family, the Collier family! Her father played in a small dance band during the Big Band Era. Her uncle Kenny and brother Jerry both served in the Navy Band and attended the Nancy school of music in Washington, DC. Sonnie played clarinet and bass clarinet in the school band. Her grandfather bought her a piano in 6th grade and she “found her calling!!”. She became as accomplished pianist and took organ lessons when Lisa was a baby. This led to being a pianist and organist for church and revival meetings in the area. In later years she developed “hand tremors” which prevented her from playing music and hand quilting which she dearly loved. Sonnie served as secretary for Charles in his ministry, always refusing monetary pay, considering instead her work as a talent the Lord gave her. Sonnie worked in a secular field for many years. Positions included Secretary for a City Manager, Secretary for a General Superintendent of a Shoe Factory, Secretary to the President of a Manufacturing Company, and Secretary to Director of Nursing at a college. Sonnie set priorities early in her life. That being” FIRST-her Lord and Savior-SECOND- Her husband and children and raising them “in the Lord”. THIRD- Her love of music and dedicating it to the Lord. She loved all the churches we served, but she especially loved this church and its members. She often said they were more like family than blood family and she had many-including 42 first cousins on the Collier side!! A severe heart problem and chronic, daily migraines pretty well put an end to church work she dearly loved—entertaining people and groups in her home; serving and working with Ladies Circles; sharing her quilting talents with the ladies; accompanying as well as singing in the choir; teaching children Sunday and Wednesday nights and starting the FIRST Youth Cantata and working with them for several years. Sonnie was Charles’ biggest supporter and biggest encourager (as well as CRITIC) when need be! Sonnie was convinced that dying in Christ was just a continuance of her JOURNEY. She always said her son Michael did not die nor did she lose him. She knew exactly where he was—in HEAVEN and waiting for her. TO GOD BE THE GLORY. Mrs. Soper leaves behind her loving husband of 62 years Charles L. Soper of Keystone Heights and their four children Jeanna Spitler (Larry) of Odin, IL, Lisa Appling (Mike) of Keystone Heights, Michelle Lucas (Chris) of Arnold, MO and Michael Soper (In Heaven). She also leaves behind her precious grandchildren Katie Bull (Dave) of Stafford, VA, Christopher Spitler of Charleston, SC, Ashley Goesslin (Chris) of Olypmia, WA, Kyle Morgeson, Hayden Morgeson and Evan Morgeson (Jordan) all of Arnold, MO, Ian Soper of Savannah, GA and Kade Soper of Detroit, TX, along with great grandchildren Nicholas Bull and Jillian Bull both of Stafford, VA and Khaleesi Goesslin of Olympia, WA. A memorial service for Mrs. Soper will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, December 21, 2019, in the First Christian Church of Starke with Pastor Charles Soper and Pastor Tom Moore officiating. A private interment was held at Kingsley Lake Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the First Christian Church of Starke 507 W. Call Street, Starke, FL 32091. Arrangements are under the care of JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, 620 E. Nona St. Starke, FL 32091. (904) 964-6200.www.jonesgallagherfh.com. Obituary submitted by the family

Mrs. Saundra Jean "Sonnie" (Collier) Soper, age 79, of Keystone Heights

December 26, 1939 - December 17, 2019