Arda Vandella Thompson Collins

Dr. Arda Vandella Thompson Collins 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 died peacefully at home on February 27, 2026, in Lower Virginia, Liberia. Arda was predeceased by her parents, David and Gertrude Thompson; the love of her life, her husband Thomas Gyibli Collins, III; her sons Hilary Reed Cooper, Jr., William (Bill) Smith, and Thomas Collins, IV; and her siblings Hilary Reed Cooper, Sr. and Cora Garnett Paris. Arda is survived by her children Reina Smith (Tony Allen), Danielle Smith, Gyivan Collins Smith (Denorris), Augustyniack Scooter Collins (Emily Tarantola), Sheryl Collins, Paula Collins, Sebastian Collins (Ella), Sherif Collins (Felicia), Melvina Collins, Moreen Collins, and Preston Jackson.

Arda was a gifted educator and devoted teacher for most of her adult life, first at the Liberia Mining Company School in Bomi Hills, Liberia; for the Baltimore City School District in Maryland, United States; and lastly with CARES, the Christian A. Richards Elementary School in Clay Ashland, Liberia. She was passionate about giving every student the best opportunity to make a productive life for themselves and their families. She was an ardent and lifelong learner, returning to school after raising her children, attaining first a Master of Arts in Education from McDaniel College and then a Doctorate in Education from Walden University. She retired from teaching in the United States and promptly turned her attention to sharing her knowledge in Liberia, dedicating herself to the CARES community of students and teachers whom she loved so deeply. She was excited to be able to live in Liberia again and contribute to the education of the nation’s children.

Arda lived her life to the fullest. Her love of travel and interest in people and cultures were inspired by her early years in boarding school at Bromley Mission, Liberia; the Collegiate School for Girls in Winterbourne, England; Springfield High School in Ohio, United States; and the Catholic University of Lyon in France. She was a writer and published author. Her book, “Another Way of Life”, tells the story of a new student at an elementary school in America who introduces her classmates to life in Liberia, her country of origin. Arda was an avid swimmer and tennis player. She played Scrabble competitively and always won, not letting even little ones off so that they could get better each time. She was fiercely proud of her extended clan, particularly the accomplishments and character of her grandchildren. If there was one song to describe Arda’s life, it would be “She Did it Her Way.”

Her children, grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews, cousins, and treasured friends grieve at her passing and will miss her dearly. Arda 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.

Donations in honor of Dr. Arda Thompson Collins are appreciated and should kindly be made to CARES, Inc. (The Christian A. Richards Elementary School) at www.cares4education.org (info@cares4education.org)