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1937 - 2018
 Earlene Marie Taylor Adkins, 80, went to be with God on Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Cleveland Clinic. She was a devoted and loving wife, mother, aunt, grandmother (GiGi) and friend. She was born December 5, 1937 in Huntington, WV. She was preceded in death by her parents, Earl and Opal Marie Ferguson Taylor of Huntington, WV; two siblings, Charles Taylor of Ohio and Sue Benedicto of Florida, and one son, Aaron Taylor Adkins of Huntington, WV. She is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Neal Gordon Adkins, Sr. This does not include the nine years they took making up her mind. She is also survived by three children, Melissa and Michael Newman of Huntington, WV, Sarah and Joshua Harless of Barboursville, WV, and Neal and Dr. Mary Adkins of Baltimore, MD. She is going to be dearly missed by her eight grandchildren, Taylor Adkins, Ashlee Dailey, Steven Newman, Aaron, Gentry, and Katelynn Harless, and Grace and Lily Adkins. She also leaves behind a very special nephew, Derek Benedicto, as well as many other nieces and nephews. Earlene grew up in Guyandotte. She played the organ and piano in her childhood church. She graduated from Huntington East High School in 1955. She attended Marshall University earning degrees in elementary education and Social Studies. She also received two master's degrees from Marshall University in Special Education and Administration. She was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa International Honorary Organization for Women Educators for over 50 years. She was a retired educator and special education supervisor in the Cabell County School System for over 35 years. She was instrumental in bringing special education to Cabell County where she was an advocate for the inclusion and opportunities for children of all capabilities and backgrounds. She loved her job, the students, parents, and the teachers she worked with. She was a devoted member of the Methodist Church for over 50 years. She was a proud supporter of every success by her children and grandchildren, happily retelling stories of sports achievements, school grades, and important moments. Earlene had many hobbies. She painted, made stained glass, wove baskets, scrapbooked, antique hunted and played piano. Her favorite hobbies were reading and shopping, where she found every opportunity to hunt down a bargain. Earlene loved the beach. She would walk for hours shelling. She loved the feel of the sand on her feet. Earlene taught many people many things. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her. We know that she is now on a heavenly beach, searching for shells, reading a book, and with her feet in the sand. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home in Barboursville, WV. Services will be Friday at 1:00 p.m. at Wallace Funeral Home and will be officiated by Pastor Kerry Bart from First United Methodist Church in Barboursville, WV. Burial will be at Enon Cemetery in Salt Rock, WV. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemorv.com/wallace. |
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There are currently 9 condolences.
Debby Hall
Wednesday October 3, 2018 at
12:22 PM
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Earlene was always so helpful while she was my supervisor. She had a real love for special needs children. She was always positive and made everyone feel good just being around her. May God comfort you in this sorrowful time.
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Robert P Alexander Jr.
Friday September 28, 2018 at
1:15 PM
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Neal I am so sorry to hear of Earlene passing it is upsetting. I know hom much she was enjoying reading on her sun patio. Please be sure that you and your wonderful family are in my prayers.
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Heather Mills
Thursday September 27, 2018 at
11:23 AM
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My Mom away from home all during my college years, and beyond. My heart is heavy knowing your gone from this life. Can’t wait to curl up ion your couch in the next one. Love n hugs to my dear friend and soul sister Sarah esp during this difficult time. Love to all family and friends.
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Shirley Rice Cook
Wednesday September 26, 2018 at
11:26 PM
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The news of Earlene passing breaks my heart. I have been friends with her since we grew up on 34th Street in GUYANDOTTE. We also were coworkers at Cabell County Board of Education. We went on many chartered bus shopping trips. My thoughts and prayers go out to Neale and family. RIP my dear lady
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Emma Sue Smith
Wednesday September 26, 2018 at
1:11 PM
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The Adkins Family,
What a unique individual your mother was. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy for a life well lived, Emma Sue and John Smith
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Helen Maloney
Coylemaloney@yahoo.com
Wednesday September 26, 2018 at
7:13 AM
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Neal and children my sincere condolence on the loss of Earlene your beloved wife and best friend. I always enjoyed being with her.Her presence will always be with all who loved her.you and the children grandchildren are in my thoughts and prayers.Love Helen and Joe
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Maija Jackson
Wednesday September 26, 2018 at
6:46 AM
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My thoughts and prayers are with you and all of your family during this difficult time. It's so tough to lose one's mom, especially one so beloved in the community. Be comforted that she is on her new beach, discovering new shells enjoying the sound of the surf and breeze in her hair.
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Sandy Sargent
Wednesday September 26, 2018 at
5:12 AM
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So sorry for the loss of this iconic special educator! The community, students, family and co-workers have been enriched by her for years. It was my privilege to work with Earlene for a number of years. I know she will be missed by her many friends and her loving family.
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FaithE maloney
Tuesday September 25, 2018 at
6:37 PM
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Neal*Mary*lily and Grace--She will always be in your hearts and may her memories lessen the loss you feel now. This obituary certainly portrays an amazing lady who did so much in this life! GREAT LOVE to all her family being sent to you xoxGramee FaithE!
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