Erica Wilma Esther Deniese Collins' Obituary
Dr. Erica Wilma Ester Deniese Collins, age 67, of Centerville, passed away Monday, March 2, 2026, at Golden Age Care Center.
Erica was born on June 1, 1957, on the island of Trinidad and Tobago, the beloved daughter of St. Clair and Elsie (Melville) Collins. She grew up living in a village with five siblings, Chyril, Eric, Rawle, Lucinda "Donna", and Dave. She attended St. Crispin Elementary School and went on to St. François Girls' College (high school), where she had accomplished subjects in Biology, Math, English as well as other subjects. The family migrated to the United States on March 13, 1975.
Erica had a natural gift for storytelling, and whenever she began a tale, everyone nearby would pause to listen. As a child she filled her days with adventure-playing cricket, pitching marbles, and climbing trees with fearless energy. Even then, her dream of becoming a doctor was clear. In nearly every game the kids played, Erica insisted on being the doctor, caring for her "patients" long before she ever wore a white coat. From an early age, she possessed a quiet determination and a deep compassion for others-qualities that would guide her throughout her life and career.
Following high school, Erica pursued her calling in medicine with steadfast dedication. She furthered her education at the Drexel University College of Medicine, Medga Evans College, and Hahnemann University in Pennsylvania, earning her Doctorate of Medicine in 1986. She completed her internship at Frankford Hospital and her residency at Hahnemann University Hospital, preparing for a lifetime of devoted service in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Dr. Collins was recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Lifetime Achiever in Obstetrics and Gynecology-a testament to her skill, leadership, and unwavering advocacy for women's health. She worked as an OBGYN in Baltimore and then moved to Centerville, Iowa. For more than 30 years, she served patients at MercyOne Centerville Medical Center. Generations of families entrusted her with their care, and many children in the community began their lives under her gentle and capable hands. She retired in June of 2017, after delivering many babies, and was loved by her community, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, dignity, and compassion.
Erica was a devoted member of the Baháʼí Faith community in Baltimore, where her faith guided her commitment to unity, service, and equality. In Centerville, she shared her love of music as a member of the church choir, lifting her voice in joyful praise.
Outside of her medical career, Erica embraced life fully. She found peace in swimming, joy in playing the piano, and inspiration in reading. She loved cooking for those she cherished, traveling on cruises, and vacationing to new and beautiful places. Above all, she treasured time spent with her family, whose love was the foundation of her life.
Though accomplished and highly respected, Erica remained remarkably humble, even introducing herself as Erica, not Dr. Collins. She was a steadfast advocate for women-not only in medicine but in every sphere of life-encouraging strength, education, and opportunity for all. Her grace, intelligence, and kindness touched countless lives.
Erica's legacy lives on in the families she cared for, the colleagues she mentored, and the loved ones who will forever hold her memory in their hearts. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Left to cherish Erica's memory are her siblings, Chyril (Cameron), Donna, Rawle (Lottie) and Dave (Ben); her sister-in-law, Libby; nieces, Chantel (Michael) and Tanya; nephews, Rachard, Eric Jr, Ricardo, Jaiden, and Darian (J'Andra); great nieces, Amber, Nora, and Kylie; great nephews, Jaeden, Omarah, Cameron, Carter, and Ever; cousins, Richard, Merle, Charlene, Dale, Roxanne, Tiesha, Junior, Tawana, Tony, Randy, and Maylene, just to name a few; aunts, Lystra, Glenda, Denise, Shirley; and uncle, Orville; a close family friend, Peter Toro; her godchildren, Zelika, Jebari, Tatyana, and Randy; her best friends, AnneMarie Jones, Adele Robinson, Liz Carter, MaryBeth Barnes, Pastor Joseph Barnes, Dewey McConville, and Andre Fruge; her Sister friends from St. Francois Grils College she cruised with; her financial advisor and friend, Mitchel McMahon; as well as too many family members and friends to mention, but you know who you are.
Erica was preceded in death by her parents, St. Clair and Elsie Collins; her brother, Eric Collins; and her nephew, Michael Swift.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00AM, Friday, March 27, 2026 at the Second Baptist Missionary Church in Centerville with Rev. Joseph Barnes officiating. Burial will follow the service at Dale Cemetery, north of Centerville. Visitation will take place Thursday, March 26, 2026 at Thomas Funeral Home in Centerville beginning at 9:00AM, with the family greeting friends from 5:00PM-8:00PM. Memorials in honor of Erica have been established to the Second Baptist Missionary Church, and may be mailed to Thomas Funeral Home, ATTN: Collins Family, 501 North 18th Street, Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be shared online at www.thomasfh.com or www.facebook.com/thomasfuneralhome .
What’s your fondest memory of Erica?
What’s a lesson you learned from Erica?
Share a story where Erica's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Erica you’ll never forget.
How did Erica make you smile?
