Linda Howell Collier

Born in Bartow, Florida, on July 29, 1943, Linda Howell Collier was the daughter of Hazel and Clifton Howell. As a fifth-generation Floridian, she descended from families who prospered in the Baldwin and Lake City areas since the mid 1800’s.

A graduate of Howey Academy in 1961, she continued to pursue her love of art at Gulf Park College, Florida Southern College, St. Petersburg College and took classes in fashion design at the Traphagen School of Design in New York City.

One of her favorite stories was meeting future husband Lester Collier Jr. in 1956, when she was 13 years old. After devoting several years to her studies and passion for design, Linda left New York City to marry Lester at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in 1966. Linda and Lester made a wonderful team. They loved entertaining and hosted many memorable gatherings in their home in Brogden Point. Together, with an amazing community, they proudly represented the ‘golden’ years of The Florida Club, surrounded by a glorious group of lifelong friends. 

Linda adored her family above all else and was especially devoted to her sons, Chase and Mitchell. Her sister-in-law, Nancy Dell, was also her best friend. She was overjoyed by the birth of her granddaughters, Avery, in 2013, and Riley Lou, in 2023. Linda was delighted in having daughters-in-laws and granddaughters, with whom she shared her love of fashion and “prissy” things. Over the last few years, Linda traveled to Costa Rica numerous times with her sons and their families.

Linda’s style and grace touched every part of her life. As a devoted member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, she served on the Flower Committee and was actively involved for many years with The Florida Club, and Ridge Art Association. She enjoyed organizing events that brought the arts to Winter Haven, including the Symphony Guild of Winter Haven. Known for her love of having fun, Linda would arrange the party and usually was the last to leave the dance floor. She always brought an extra pair of dancing shoes and did the twist like you’d never seen, especially to Elvis Presley songs.

Linda was loving, kind, patient, thoughtful and loyal to her family, friends and students. She taught Art at St. Paul's Episcopal School from 1972 to 1981, where she encouraged her students to think for themselves. She inspired students to embrace "the principles of design" and loved the expression "coloring outside the lines," supporting her students in understanding the use of positive and negative spaces. Linda felt so much gratitude when her former students shared that she was their favorite teacher.

She was predeceased by her parents, Clifton and Hazel Howell, Sr., her husband, Lester, brother Clifton Howell, Jr., and nieces, Lisa Howell and Susan Howell Geresy. She is survived by her loving children and daughter-in-laws, Chase (Ginny) and Mitchell (Jody), her grandchildren, Avery and Riley Lou, her sisters-in-laws, Nancy Dell Konigsmark (Hank) and Janice Howell, and nieces Angela, Laurel Beth, Courtney, Lindsey, Jana, Lani and other loving family.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church located at 656 Avenue L NW in Winter Haven on September 2, 2026 at 10:00 am, with a reception following at the Valhalla Clubhouse. After the reception, a graveside internment for family members (close family friends welcome) will be held for both Linda and Lester at Forest Hills Cemetery in Haines City.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations in Linda’s memory be sent to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church and designated to the Garden of the Cross Fund, which Lester and Linda were instrumental in designing and maintaining the garden for decades.