Iris Collins Eaton

Iris Collins Eaton, a beloved great-grandmother, world traveler, amateur historian and family chronicler, whose confidence and plucky humor endeared her to Houston's social circles and family members alike, passed away on January 27, 2026 at age 87.

Iris passes on a legacy of curiosity, friendship and love. She was born on January 30, 1938, in Liberty, Texas, to former mayor of Dayton, Thomas V. Collins, and his wife, Louise Stoesser Collins. Iris had three younger brothers, Thomas, Gary and John. She graduated from the University of Houston. For six years, she taught Texas, U.S. and World History at Fondren Junior High School.

Iris was a proud Dayton Bronco, having served as a twirler in the band and returning home often to Dayton for Pioneer Days as a member of the Class of 1956. Her grandparents were early Dayton rice farmers. Iris was one of 15 first cousins from the Collins, Stoesser and Brown families.

In the 1970s, Iris undertook training in New York to join brokerage firm Merrill Lynch, serving as a financial advisor for 30 years. She was Merrill Lynch's first woman vice president in the company's downtown Houston offices. She also finished number one in her rookie training class, also a first at Merrill Lynch.

She had an infectious, hearty laughter, a presence that commanded attention, and a soft smile. She loved gardening and playing bridge with her friends. Her great-grandchildren call her "GG." Two-year-old Viggo Moss is partial to the name "Cookie."

Iris had a voracious appetite for adventure and travel, which carried her to virtually every country in Europe, as well as to Alaska, Hawaii, Russia, India, Africa, Egypt, and South America. She often traveled with family and friends, and met several former U.S. presidents. In the late 1990s, Iris was invited to the White House to be presented with the Dolley Madison commemorative coin given to her and her grandson, Collin, by then-First Lady Hillary Clinton.

Iris joined, led and served in multiple organizations. At the urging of her friends, Iris joined the Lady Washington Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was also a president of Houston Taipei Society (Houston's first Sister City). She was a former president and an emerita member of Colonial Dames of America Chapter VIII. She was also a member of the Daughters of 1812, the Blue Bird Circle and Alpha Chi Omega, among others.

Iris was involved in politics, serving as precinct chair in West University and River Oaks. She traced the lineage of the Collins line to the grandfather of James Madison, the fourth U.S. president, Father of the U.S. Constitution. Iris founded and served as the first president of the National Society of the Madison Family Descendants, at Montpelier, the Madison family home in Virginia. In 2025, the society honored her with the Madison Cup, its highest honor.

Two days before her passing, Iris met for the first time her youngest great-granddaughter, Margot Montenegro, who was born last November in Virginia. Soon after their meeting, Iris closed her eyes, knowing they will meet again one day.

Iris is survived by brother, John R. Collins of Houston, her daughter, Adrienne Iris Eaton of Houston, and her son, Pastor Wentworth Guy Eaton II of Richmond, Texas; Adrienne's daughters, Jennifer Montenegro of Virginia, husband George, and Anna Liisa Moss of Houston, husband Elliott; Wentworth's sons and daughter, Collin Eaton of Houston, Tyler Eaton of Los Angeles, Caroline Pickard of Austin, husband Marshall, and Zachary Eaton of San Marcos; Jennifer's daughters Eleanor and Margot Montenegro; Anna Liisa's sons Aaro, Viggo and Leevi Moss; and Iris' best friend, Bill Harris of Houston. Iris had loving caregivers in Andrea Tellison, Kimberly Davis, Home Instead Agency, and her team of professionals at Methodist Hospital Sugar Land. Pallbearers are her three grandsons and her three granddaughter's husbands.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, February 2, 2026 in Dayton, Texas, at Pace-Stancil Funeral Home, 1304 N. Cleveland St. There will be a viewing from noon until 2 p.m. prior to a graveside service at Magnolia Park at 2 p.m.

Contributions may be made to Houston Area Parkinsons Society at 2700 SW Freeway Houston, 77098.