Elinor Shirley (Myers) Collins King

Troy - Elinor Shirley Collins King, 97, died Sunday, January 25, 2026, at Van Rensselaer Manor after a brief illness.

Shirley was born on March 6, 1928 in Troy, NY to Joseph Benson Myers and Mary Kuon Myers. She was an active lifelong resident of Troy, graduating from Lansingburgh High School. After graduating high school and Mildred Elley Business School she was employed by the New York State Public Service Commission. 

Shirley was extremely active in many different organizations and charities. She was a member of the Troy Women’s Club, Junior League of Troy and past president of Ilium Literary Club. She was a Board member and instrumental in setting up Camp Barker for over 25 years which was the boys’ summer camp program at the Troy Boys’ Club. She held various roles in both St. John’s and St. Paul’s Episcopal Churches, School 18 PTA and Samaritan Hospital’s Ladies Auxiliary. Shirley was also very active in Vanguard, the fundraising organization for the Albany Symphony Orchestra. She was a member of the Troy Club, the Country Club of Troy, Saratoga Golf and Polo Club and Countryside Country Club in Clearwater, FL.

She had many hobbies which included skiing at different areas and boating and camping on Lake George with family and friends and her children’s friends. She also enjoyed having small and large parties and, in many cases, included her children’s friends.

Shirley has led a most interesting life. At the age of 28, she attained her private pilot’s license, had her own plane and flew for many years. At the time, she was the only woman flying in and out of the Troy Airport. After the death of her second husband, Shirley became an accomplished ballroom dancer and traveled to several countries including Russia and Argentina with her instructors and dance troupe in competition.

Shirley was most proud of her family. She was a very dedicated wife and loving mother. Her life centered around her family.

Shirley was the wife of the late Charles E. Collins, Jr. and Everett G. King. Survivors include her son, Charles E. Collins III, Brunswick and daughter Marcia (Benjamin) Russell, CT., Step-children Christine (James) Pollock, Averill Park, and Larry (Leslie) King, Brunswick. She was “Nana” to 11 grandchildren and 24 great grand-children and had several nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by a son,    Robert E. Collins, a brother, J. Benson Myers, Jr. and a grandson, Kevin King.

Relatives and friends may call at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, State and Third Street, Troy on Saturday, June 27, 2026 from 9:00 am to 10:00 am with a funeral service to follow at 10:00 with Rev. Martin Yost and Father John Bradley.

Interment will be in Oakwood Cemetery Troy.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of Elinor Shirley Collins King to the Kevin E. King Memorial Scholarship at LaSalle Institute, 174 Williams Road, Troy, NY 12180 or to the Troy Boys and Girls Club, 1700 7th Ave. Troy, NY 12180 would be greatly appreciated.  We recommend using the brycefuneralhome.com website to share or send condolences, light a candle or for service directions.

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