Obituary

Shirley Harlow Collins, 97, of Chesterfield, VA danced her way into heaven on Friday, July 31, 2026 surrounded by her two daughters. She was born on March 27, 1929 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Walter Lee Harlow and Olive Virginia Brooks. She is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James V. Collins; daughter, Margaret Collins Freeman; and brother, Walter H. Harlow.

Shirley is survived by her two loving daughters, Susan Collins Gallienne (Charles) and Karen C. Collins; grandchildren, Allen E. Freeman, Jr. (Ronna) and Meghan T. Robles (Sam); great grandchildren, Olivia, Charles, and Parker Robles and Harlan D. Freeman; and along with other nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.

After graduating from John Marshall High School, she went on to work for B.T. Crump & Co.  where she met her husband. They married in December 1950 and moved to Frankfurt, Germany where Jim was stationed in the Army.  Returning in 1954, she worked part time in the family business, Leonard Paper Ruling Company before taking on the role of domestic engineer.  She was a staunch supporter of her girls’ endeavors including swimming, diving, golfing, cheerleading and singing in youth choir.  In addition, she was a talented seamstress making most of the girl’s clothes often without patterns.  As a crafter, she was a member of the North Carolina Shell Club traveling the world collecting seashells turning them into beautiful gifts.  She was a member of the Meadowbrook Women’s Golf Association as well as the Woman’s Club.  Spending time on the Outer Banks with her brother was a favorite pastime.  A prolific reader, Shirley kept a meticulous record of all the books she had read.  Fishing was a passion throughout her life whether on the Rappahannock River, the Outer Banks or in Florida.  She is known as the #1 Fisherwoman.

Called to serve, Shirley traveled overseas with the VA Baptists on numerous building missions in Slovakia, where she also returned to a facility she helped construct in order to teach ESL, Hungary, Ukraine, Czech Republic, and Honduras.  Always at the ready, she joined the VA Baptist Disaster Relief team (food and reconstruction) supporting needs because of hurricanes in Florida, Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana, and New Jersey.

A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. followed immediately by a celebration of life on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Branch’s Baptist Church, 3400 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23234. Inurnment to follow at Branch’s Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Shirley’s name can be made to the Virginia Baptist Disaster Response, 2828 Emerywood Pkwy, Richmond, VA 23294 or to Branch’s Baptist Church Handicap Upgrades Fund, 3400 Broad Rock Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23234.