Sylvia S. McCollum
June 26, 1934 ~ May 16, 2020
Sylvia Hermine Specker McCollum (aka Miracle Mom) was born prematurely and started her life on June 26, 1934 as a doll-clothes-clad survivor. The daughter of Carl John and Dorothea Anna Christina Ernsting Specker, her life’s work was focused on feeding the souls, bodies, and minds of others.
In preparation to feed the souls of so many, she was confirmed in the faith at Emmaus Lutheran and then became a part of the non-denominational Christian Church when she married Cecil W. McCollum Jr. on July 19, 1959. During her sojourn at Hazelwood Christian Church and her decades at Monrovia Christian Church, she was actively involved in Bible School as both a teacher and superintendent throughout the years. Her faith was also evident in her daily life.
It was at Monrovia Christian where she began to help feed people in Morgan County by becoming the chairman of the Monrovia Christian Church Food Pantry. After declining health necessitated her resignation as chairman, she continued to provide assistance as long as she was able. While her daughters were in high school, she also had served as a day chairman for the Monrovia Band Boosters Food Tent at the Morgan County Fair. Somehow she managed to convince her fellow Monrovia Elementary Teachers that working the tent together would be a fun reunion, and she and her colleagues prepared and served food to fair-goers once each summer in the August heat.
During her twenty-seven years as the Fifth and Sixth Grade Math Teacher at Monrovia Elementary, she fed the minds and strengthened the mathematical prowess of thousands of students. Many will remember her requirement of saying the multiplication tables, her refusal to “spoon feed” her students, and the fact that any mistake made meant that she was “just checking” the abilities of her students.
When Sylvia matriculated as a proud member of the Purdue University Class of 1956 with a degree in Statistics, she had no idea where God would lead her, but she had some very specific ideas about where she would not go. Born and raised in Fountain Square on the Indianapolis Southside, she was a city girl to the core. Having no desire to live in the country, she refused to date any young man who was an agriculture major. She also had no desire to enter the classroom although her mother taught fourth grade at IPS School 8. Of course, God always has a plan that supersedes plans that we make for ourselves: She married a farmer, lived on a farm, and taught school.
And she bloomed where she was planted. There was a bit of rockiness in the soil that the Lord chose for her throughout life, but she did not allow that to impede her. She was married for 53 years to her farmer, Cecil McCollum, who preceded her in death. Because her father had passed away while she was at Purdue, her stepfather, Bert Hadfield, walked her down the aisle. She raised two daughters: Susan Caroline James (Tim) of Martinsville and Sarah Catherine Knight (Howard) of Indianapolis. She delighted in granddaughters Megan Elizabeth Koenig (John) of Melbourne, Florida and Molly Catherine Knight who attended Brebeuf Jesuit School and now attends Interlochen Arts Academy; Grams loved to hear them sing and watch them perform. She also cherished her Koenig great-grandchildren -- John William III and Caroline Elizabeth -- and visited them daily via FaceTime.
Her family and friends will miss the wit and “punny” sense of humor of this Manual High School graduate who served as yearbook editor. Sylvia was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma, served on the Morgan County Community Foundation Scholarship Committee, was both a loyal patron of the Monrovia branch of the Morgan County Public Library and an avid Purdue fan who bled black and gold. Even the Master’s degree that she earned at DePauw University was linked to her beloved black and gold. Although she started life as a city girl, when her life ended on May 16, 2020, she was proud to have been part of the Monrovia community.
The public is invited to pay their respects during a Drive-by Visitation at Monrovia Christian Church on Friday, May 22 from 12:30 – 2:30pm. A private service will follow. The service will be recorded and can be viewed at www.carlislebranson.com. Interment will take place at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery in Hall. Funeral services have been entrusted to Carlisle-Branson Funeral Service & Crematory, Mooresville.
Memorial contributions can be made to Monrovia Christian Church, the Monrovia Christian Church Food Pantry, or the Monrovia branch of the Morgan County Public Library.
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I was one of many children that had Sylvia as my math teacher, and to this day, my multiplication tables are due to her amazing teaching and patience with all of us. She was a wonderful person with a loving family. I had the pleasure of having her daughter, Susan, later in high school, who also taught me so much and was always one of my favorites. Sending many thoughts and prayers to the family and a special hug to Susan. May God comfort you and bless you all during this difficult time. – Julie (Ringer) Galyan
I can remember her math class quite well. It was 1978 and Misty Hobson was in my class and made an announcement she had the chicken pox. Infected everyone! God rest her soul. Prayers for Sarah and Susan, I’m so sorry for your loss. ♥️ Christina Ewers
Mrs. McCollum was my first teacher at Monrovia, as I was a transplanted student from Indy. She was very kind to me as I struggled to adjust; I’ll always treasure her guidance. I am glad she was able to attend our class reunion. Rest In Peace, lovely lady and mentor.
What a great, great lady. I will miss seeing her and sharing some laughs. Her quick wit and sense of humor always made for a great conversation. I literally feel like I have known her my entire life and was also fortunate enough to have her as my sixth grade home room and math teacher. She taught me so much and I have the upmost respect for her. I was so saddened to hear of her passing. Love and prayers to her family that she adored. – Debbie (Baker) Monts
Sylvia will always hold a special place in my heart! She walked into a teaching position taking over for the current teacher who was in a tragic accident. Mrs. McCollum made sure we all knew our facts, saying them to her orally, until we knew them well. High school rolled around and her daughter Susan and I became good friends and then once I was able to drive I worked for her husband Cecil on the farm! After college, I returned to Monrovia Elementary to teach along side Sylvia and a couple years later her daughter Susan joined Monrovia High School, becoming one the best English teachers ever at MHS. Sylvia has played many roles in my life…teacher, bosses wife who fed me a few times, colleague, and most important of all, a true friend and mentor! Thank you Sylvia. You made my life a little fuller!
Sylvia was a sweet, loving, amazing lady. I meant her through the Cancer Support Group at Mooresville. She had a way of always making you feel welcome, and always had a smile on her face. I’m for sure going to miss her, and connecting with her on Facebook and messenger. My thought’s and prayer’s go out to the family at this time. Your Mother was special❣️
Sylvia was a true lady and faithful friend. Our sympathy. The McPhail’s.
Saddened to hear of Sylvia’s passing but celebrate her life of public service. As a teacher of our children and genuine good friend for most of our life, she was a true pillar of the community, giving so much to all of us. Our prayers are with Sylvia’s family and with the soul of Sylvia. She is now with Cecil. May they Rest In Peace until we meet again.
I remember her she was one of the nicest teachers. So sorry for your loss.
The last of the many teachers from when I attended.
She was one of our leaders of our breast cancer support group. She kept us positive and showed us great love and friendship. She was a lovely lady inside and out. Love and prayers to you all
Another icon gone too soon. What a great teacher and faithful servant. Fly high and keep watch over us all.
Rest in pease dear friendߙ prayers to all of you. She always made me laugh
Syl wasn’t only my first cousin but my “big sis” as we were growing up a couple of houses apart. I’ve loved and admired her all these years and will miss her immensely.
She taught my kids and I took care of her daughter when she was in kindergarten. A special lady.
Sylvia was my brother’s mother in-law. What I’ll remember most is the joy on her face at watching her granddaughter, my niece Molly, perform on stage. In addition, celebrating the holidays with Sylvia was always an enjoyable experience. Rest In Peace my friend. Debbie Combs
I had the pleasure of growing up at Monrovia Christian Church where Sylvia and her family attended. She was the kindest lady and it was so great to have one of the Boilermaker’s greatest fans around. She definitely bled Black and Gold. I will always remember her kindness, her smile and the great memories at Monrovia Christian Church.
Dear Susan and Sarah, I am so very sorry about your mother’s passing. She was an amazing mother and a beautiful person inside and out. May your dear mother enjoy rest and peace in heaven with God’s love and glory. Prayers for you both and your families. May God watch over you all and provide you with peace, love, and His guidance.
Susan, I remember your mother from my days at the bank in Monrovia. She was a lovely lady and always a joy to serve. I remember you, as well, and all the fun we had working together. I miss those days and the dear people I came to know. My sincere sympathy to you and your family for your loss. Dorothy Lefler
Sarah n Susan – so sorry to hear of ur mom’s passing – she was a gem n a special lady n friend – May God give the two of u n your families peace n comfort n this time of sorrow n in the days n weeks to come – U r n r thoughts n prayers. Blessings Always – Larry n Carolyn
Oh Susan and Sarah, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mom is such an amazing woman and such a blessing to my life. My first recollection of meeting her was in sixth grade math class. She was one of those special teachers who really cared about her students and ensured that we knew our math facts (especially our multiplication tables) COLD! We, as her previous students, owe her a debt of gratitude for instilling a love of math and work ethic. I will treasure that wheat penny she gifted us all that much more. Imagine my surprise one day when she told me we were related (through your Dad, of course). What a delight! Over the years, we never lost touch. I have always loved her quick wit and her caring heart. I will never forget her contagious smile. Her pride, devotion, and love for her family is an example I hope to emulate. She will be greatly missed.
Memories: 7×8=56. That’s the one I had trouble remembering, that’s the one that caused me to stumble on my times tables. Mrs. McCollum helped me out by making me write it one hundred times…she said I would never forget it…she was once again, right. Pumpkin pie. In my later high school through young adult days, Mrs. McCollum would always offer me a piece of pumpkin pie when she saw me; sometimes going to the effort of bringing me a slice at the county fair. It was her humoristic way of reminding me of forgiveness and laughing at myself. It had to do with an incident when some young men “borrowed” pumpkins from the McCollums pumpkin patch, and how one young man forgot to close the trunk of the car that housed the pumpkins, and how the local constables stopped said carfull of pumpkins and marched those young men and the pumpkins back to the McCollums. Pumpkin pie became my Humble Pie. Mrs. Mccollum was one of the great teachers; one of the great mentors; one of the great influences of life. I truly appreciated her and her love for her students…even when they were causing trouble. Susan and Sarah, your parents were great people.
Sending up for Sarah and Susan comforting prayers. Your mom made a significant difference in many, many lives
I just learned of her passing. I am sad that she is gone from this earth, but happy she resides in Heaven. She was my 6th grade teacher. There are things she taught me that I still use today and have taught my own children. In turn I’m sure they are teaching my grandchildren. Because of this, I have thought of her all through my life. The impact she left on thousands of children is a beautiful thing. She is greatly missed and very much appreciated.
Mom and all her girls! ♥️