Harriet Collie

On April 25, 1926, in Homestead, PA, Harriet McWilson entered this world, the daughter of Ada Beatrice Portis and Charles McWilson, who had migrated to Homestead, Pennsylvania, from Wilcox and Tuscaloosa counties of Alabama during the Great Migration. Harriet was raised in a humble, religious, and music-filled household along with her nine siblings – Annabelle, Rosabelle, Frank, Jerry, Coleman, Ada, Charles, Yvonne, and Eunice. Harriet worked a bit after graduating from Homestead High School and was introduced to James Robert Collie, who had relocated from Lenoir County, North Carolina. They married and brought three daughters into the world – Maureen Waller, Sharon Beatrice, and Lynda Marie. Harriet was employed at MUSA Homestead Community Center as Preschool Teacher, Youth Leader, and later retired while in the position of Assistant Director at MUSA. During four decades she positively impacted the lives of many children, parents, and seniors in the community, including starting a huge shoe and clothing bank at the Center. Harriet was blessed with many talents. Her childhood piano teacher ceased lessons once it became apparent that her young student played piano without reading sheet music. Harriet used mother wit and a knack for organizing to serve God and her community. Besides piano, she taught herself to play organ for the Gospel, Senior, and Youth Choirs at Park Place AME. Harriet is a past Superintendent of the Sunday School, Trustee, and was active in many clubs and organizations. Along with this, she possessed a magnetic, magnanimous personality. She is beloved by the community. Harriet was the recipient of numerous honors, by the Homestead Community, City of Pittsburgh, Senate of the United States, and the National Council of Negro Women. Harriet McWilson Collie slipped away on December 10, 2022, at age 96. Left to mourn the loss are her three daughters, Maureen Collie, Sharon Russell (Curtis) of Pittsburgh, PA, and Lynda Collie Johnson (Ernest B) of Seattle, WA; and her living sisters, Yvonne Godbolt and Eunice Stewart. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Curtis Russell, of Los Angeles, CA, Damon and Deanna Waller of Pittsburgh, PA, and Sumaiya Johnson, of Seattle, WA; great-grandchildren Destiny and Denaje’ Parker; and great-great grandchild Rahmu Broadus and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews, close friends, goddaughter Cynthia Freeman. Viewing will be held during the hours of 2PM and 8 PM on Friday, December 16, at Park Place AME Church, 215 Tenth Avenue, where the Celebration of Life will commence at 11 AM on Saturday, December 17, 2011. Interment following the service at Homestead Cemetery of Munhall.

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Harriet Collie

April 25, 1926 - December 10, 2022