Lillie Adkins, 94, passed away at 7:45 AM, Thursday, May 24th, 2018, at her home in Benton, Illinois. The first child of Marion and Lelia (Martin) Stephens, Lillie was born August 5, 1923 in Harveyton, Kentucky. She married James Adkins in Fleming, Kentucky on December 23, 1939 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 #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 fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three 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, West Frankfort, Brenda Doty (Tod) and Vickie Willis (Bruce), both from Benton, Sharon Merwin, Dallas, Texas, and Rhonda Cockrum (Curtis), Oak Ridge, Tennessee. Sons, Richard Adkins (Kathy), Middletown, Ohio, James Adkins (Deborah), Tuscaloosa, Alabama and Roger Adkins (Glenna), London, Kentucky.
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.
Funeral services will be at Pate Funeral Home, 301 South Main St, Benton, Illinois on Saturday at 11:00 AM. We welcome all who wish to attend.
Memorial contributions may be made to Benton Public Library, 502 South Main Street, Benton, IL 62812 or Hospice of Southern Illinois, 204 Halfway Road, Marion, IL 62959, and will be accepted at the funeral home.
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