March 21, 1934 – May 22, 2024
Born in rural Johnson City, TN where she attended grade school. Her family then moved into Johnson City and she attended Johnson City High School. Following High School, she attended East Tennessee State University for one year before transferring to Atlanta Christian College, East Point, Georgia. She was graduated from Atlanta with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956.
During college she met James Adkins. They were married June 23, 1957 in Johnson City Tennessee. To that union, Martha Lorraine and Johnie Kemper were born.
Her work experience was secretary to the President of Atlanta Christian College; a clerk at the S & H Green Stamp redemption center, Atlanta Georgia; a seasonal employee at J C Penny; Central Christian Church Kindergarten teacher. Hartselle, Alabama, and a typist at the Credit Bureau of Decatur, Alabama. She served in churches teaching Sunday School, leading youth groups, playing the piano, serving in women’s groups, and various other ministries. She was involved in the community being a Cub Scout Den Mother, serving with the Women’s Volunteer Auxiliary in the Hospital in Selmer, TN, and several other civic activities.
Following the death of her husband, she moved to Missouri, living with her daughter Martha for a year, assisted living in Joplin for 2 years, and a nursing home in Joplin until her death.
She is survived by her daughter Martha (husband Michael) Mitchell of Milo, MO. Johnie (wife Teri) of Carl Junction, MO. Grandchildren: Kara Mitchell of Cheyenne, WY., Kyle Adkins of Joplin, MO., and Cody Adkins of Washington, DC.
Graveside service will be Friday, June 7, 2:00 pm at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery, Joplin, MO. Memorial gifts may be sent to Solace House of the Ozarks, 2425 S Mina, Joplin, MO 64804