Naomi Hyler Collie

AIKEN, SC – Naomi Hyler Collie, 92 of Aiken, SC, passed away on Sunday, December 26, 2021. She was a beloved daughter, wife, mother, and grandmother. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Alton Collie.

     Naomi was a native of Danville, VA and the daughter of the late Howard N. Hyler and Lena Childress Hyler.  She was a registered nurse and started her long nursing career in Richmond, VA where she met her husband.  They moved to Aiken in 1951 and she worked for many years as the Operating Room Nursing Supervisor at Aiken Regional Medical Center. She also worked for several private practice physicians in Aiken, served as a private duty nurse, and worked at Dupont at the Savannah River Plant in Aiken.   She was a caring and nurturing person and loved being a nurse. Even after retirement, she continued to take care of her neighbors and friends. She was an active member of Millbrook Baptist Church where over the years she served on several committees.

     Naomi was a wonderful cook and always enjoyed trying new recipes and making favorite dishes for each of her children and grandchildren, including her infamous “gooey butter cake” that she made every holiday. She was a wonderful, beautiful person and was loved by many. She made a positive impact on all of her children and family members and many others she met in her long life. Naomi enjoyed reading, playing the piano, sewing, and watching college basketball.  She was an avid Duke basketball fan much to the dismay of her late husband Al who was an ardent Tar Heels fan. March Madness at the Collie household was truly entertaining.

        She will always be remembered for her unconditional love for her family, her thoughtfulness, and her servant heart.

     She was preceded in death by: her parents, Howard Hyler and Lena Childress Hyler; brothers Bill, Carson, Forrest, Howard, Peyton, and one sister Mary Lucy Dance.  Survivors include sisters, Sally Akers, Gwyneth Barber, Frances Powell, and Bonnie Farmer. One daughter, Dr. Cynthia Holmes of Sullivan’s Island, SC; three sons, Cliff Collie and wife Allison of Greenwood, SC, Dr. Craig Collie and wife Patty of Dickson, TN, Dr. Brian Collie and wife Mary Jo of Bluefield, WV; eight grandchildren, Kennedy Sawyer (Ryan), Logan Holmes (Katie), Colten Holmes, Austin Collie, Hunter Collie, Dr. Carson Collie, Cameron Collie, Blake Collie; and great-grandson, Roman Sawyer.

     A special expression of thanks to Mrs. Patsy Randall who was her live-in caregiver for over a year. Patsy truly loved Naomi and the family could not have asked for a more caring caregiver.

      The family would also like to thank Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont in Greenwood, SC.

     The family will receive friends Monday, January 3, 2022 from noon until 1 o’clock at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home at 715 East Pine Log Road in Aiken, SC. The service will follow at 1 pm in the chapel with Reverend Bill Howard III officiating.  Interment will follow at Aiken Memorial Gardens. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.

     In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to Millbrook Baptist Church, 223 South Aiken Blvd. SE, Aiken, SC 29803.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC