The family of Arda Vandella Thompson Collins is saddened to announce her death on February 27, 2026, in Brewerville, Liberia, where she passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home. Arda was born on November 19, 1946, in Monrovia, Liberia to the union of the late David Yeneyule Thompson and the late Gertrude Florence Dean Thompson. She was predeceased by her husband Thomas Gyibli Collins, II.
Arda was a brilliant, dedicated and beloved teacher for much of her adult life, first at the Liberia Mining Company School in Bomi Hills, Liberia; for the Baltimore City School District in Maryland; and lastly with CARES, the Christian A. Richards Elementary School in Clay Ashland, Liberia.
Arda leaves to mourn her, children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and dear friends who grieve her passing and will miss her deeply. She also leaves a quiet legacy of faith and generosity that make up her redemption story which she will happily share with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as she is welcomed into eternal life.
Services will be held in Liberia on Saturday, March 7, 2026, and the United States on a date to be determined.
Saturday, March 7, 2026, at 10:00 am
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
(Near the Brewerville Town Hall)
Brewerville, Liberia
Contacts:
Cia Richards Ledlum +231 88 677 9426
Reina Smith +1 973 420 3800
Danielle Smith +1 585 813 7375
Gyivan Collins Smith +1 910 624 2026
Donations:
Thank you for your thoughtfulness. Donations in lieu of flowers should kindly be made to CARES, Inc. (The Christian A. Richards Elementary School) at www.cares4education.org (info@cares4education.org)
