Irene Sparks Adkins

She was born September 2, 1928, to the late Joe Sparks and Mary Sparks Reed in Spruce Pine, NC.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 72 years, Rev. Ronald Adkins, a brother Clarence Sparks, a son, Lynnie Adkins, and a great-grandson, Nicholas Simpson.

Those left to cherish her memory include her sons, Greg Adkins and wife Rhonda of Crab Orchard, Donald Adkins and wife Susan of Crab Orchard, and daughter Rebecca “Patty” Hickman and friend Larry Walker of Beckley.

Irene’s family was richly blessed with many grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Chris Adkins of Lynchburg, VA, Emily Adkins of Morgantown, WV, Ann, Brian, and Alexis Simpson of Naples, FL, Jennifer, Tim, Mary, and Campbell Erwin of Beckley, Jared Adkins of Narrows, VA, Summer, Jeremy, and Archie Buchanan of Crab Orchard, Brittany and Jordon Yost of York, SC, Laura, Brent, Carter, Judah, and Clara Coalson of Beckley, Adam, Robin, Little Adam, and Kaleb Hatcher, Jordan Dunlap and children, Adam Massie and children.

Irene’s adopted family included Vickie Totten and Linda Neal of Crab Orchard and “Nana” Patricia McKinney of Bud, Rita Tyree, Hester Bowling, countless other extended family members, and generations of her church family at Old Grove Chapel. In addition to her family, she was cared for by special friends Donna Gilliam, Velda McKinney, and Robin Acord.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Bowers Hospice House for the care and compassion they received.

The funeral service will be held at Blue Ridge Funeral Home on Monday, December 27, 2021 at 10:30 am with Pastor Ronnie Miller officiating. Friends may gather with the family one hour prior.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.BlueRidgeFuneralHome.com.