Paula Raye Adkins (nee Samson) left this world for heaven on May 28, 2024, in Huntington, WV, at the age of 69, after a courageous and difficult journey with cancer. She was born on July 12, 1954, in Logan, WV.
Paula was the loving spouse of her soulmate, Rodney Lee Adkins for 46 years. She is survived by her mother-in-law Oleta Dolen of Proctorville, OH, daughter Brittany Adkins Beitzel, son-in-law Aaron Beitzel and grandson Dawson Lee Beitzel of Lancaster, PA, stepdaughter Sarah Adkins Greear, son-in-law Steve Greear, and grandchildren Ian and Zoe Greear of Alexandria, OH. She had many treasured cousins whom she loved dearly, including Jan Darith Wilcox, of Logan, WV, who she considered a sister. She also had five very special friends who did life with her for many decades: Carol, Joyce, Marsha, Rita and Terri. Paula was preceded in death by her father Ray Samson, mother Pauline Samson, and brother Bryan Samson, all of Logan, WV.
Paula was the absolute heart and soul of her family. She loved gardening, cooking, traveling to new places, and creating beautiful wreaths and flower arrangements for her loved ones. A savvy shopper, she enjoyed hunting for deals at her favorite retail store, Kohls, and could often be found there buying a thoughtful gift for a friend or family member. Her infectious giggle brightened the world, and she always had a smile on her face. She had a deep-rooted faith in Jesus Christ, which showed in her daily life. She had a special and unique way of making sure that every person she came in contact with knew that she cared about them, and that she found joy in their successes, and mourned with them in their struggles and sorrows. She was genuine in this, and it made a profound impact on everyone she met, even if she only knew them briefly.
She had a successful career as a speech and language pathologist, teaching for over 35 years in Cabell County elementary schools, particularly at Altizer and Davis Creek Elementary. Paula had a passion for working with children on the autism spectrum and was an active member of the Quota Club and the Pea Ridge Woman’s Club. Even after retirement, she continued to tutor students in reading using the LIPS Program.
Paula was a longtime member of Highlawn Baptist Church and later became an active member of Lewis Memorial Baptist Church, where she made many friendships that lasted a lifetime.
Visitation will be held at Lewis Memorial Baptist Church on Wednesday, June 5, 2024 from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. with a service to follow at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Woodmere Memorial Park, Huntington. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Autism Services.
Wallace Funeral Home, Barboursville, is assisting the family.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/wallace.
