Lillie Adkins of Benton
Lillie Adkins, 94, passed away at 7:45 a.m. Thursday, May 24, 2018, at her home in Benton.
The first child of Marion and Lelia (Martin) Stephens, Lillie was born Aug. 5, 1923, in Harveyton, Ky. She married James Adkins Dec. 23, 1939, in Fleming, Ky., and over the years they were blessed with eight healthy children.
Mr. and Mrs. Adkins moved to Benton from Kentucky in October 1961 and settled into the community with their active children. While Mr. Adkins was busy working at Freeman Coal Orient No. 5 mine and later at Inland Steel Coal in Sesser, Mrs. Adkins focused her time on her children as they actively participated in sports and activities sponsored by their schools and community.
In addition to Lillie's eight children, she was blessed with 14 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. Spending time with each was a great pleasure for her, and her mothering instincts extended not only to her own children but to their friends as well, as she offered food, love, encouragement and sage advice to all. She most recently delighted in spending a weekend with her newest six-month-old great-grandson and having a four-generation photo taken.
Lillie was an avid reader and was often seen visiting the Benton Public Library. She was also an enthusiast of all televised sports, with a keen interest in watching basketball, especially following the career of her favorite star and announcer, Doug Collins.
Survivors include five daughters, Mary Lou Shockley of West Frankfort, Brenda Doty (Tod) and Vickie Willis (Bruce), both from Benton, Sharon Merwin of Dallas, Texas, and Rhonda Cockrum (Curtis), Oak Ridge, Tenn.; and sons,Richard Adkins (Kathy) of Middletown, Ohio, James Adkins (Deborah) of Tuscaloosa, Ala., and Roger Adkins (Glenna) of London, Ky.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Adkins; her parents, Marion and Lelia Stephens; three brothers, John, Gordon and Robert Stephens; and sons-in-law Jack Shockley and Davis Merwin.
The family extends special thanks and much gratitude to Leotta Burbank, an incredible Care Angel whose ever-present pleasing personality and warmth brought comfort, peace, joy and friendship to our mom and family. To Rachael Janello, mom's physical therapist whose kindness, understanding, warmth, and laughter led to an endearing friendship. Thanks also to the following Care Angels who have helped and supported us over the last few months: Emily Harris, Ruth Zeboski, Kendra Murphy, Gayla Porritt and Janice Biggs. A special thanks also to Hospice of Southern Illinois, whose support and guidance brought comfort and peace to our family.
The funeral service took place at 11 a.m. Saturday at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St. in Benton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Benton Public Library, 502 S. Main St., Benton, IL 62812; or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Rd., Marion, IL 62959.