Amanda "Marcella" Adkins

Born to Conley Stonewall Cullop and Carrie Lee Cullop on December28,1933, Marcella lived out her own“ happily ever after” here on earth when she married Bob, the love of her life, and together they lovingly raised seven children.

Marcella was an inspiration to many as she returned to school after her children had grown, earning her Associate’s degree in Social Work from Beckley College and her Bachelor’s degree in Education from Concord University. She was so active in the alumni association at Beckley College (eventually Mountain State University) that she was gifted a legacy when she was awarded the first MSU Alumni “Marcella Adkins Spirit Award.” Upon graduation, she spent 15 years pouring into the lives of her students as an English teacher at Independence High School. She helped many young people realize their own value, whether it be by encouraging their love for writing, commending them for their own passions and talents, coaching them in cheerleading, or leading them in 4-H.

Marcella and Bob continued to model a loving marriage and provide a welcoming home for their grandchildren, as well as many other children over the years whom they unofficially “adopted" and loved however they could.

Marcella was known for:

-her fellowship with others. Marcella valued conversation with everyone she met.

-her strong will, that she used well when advocating for those she loved and for those who could not advocate for themselves. -her love of cooking for and feeding loved ones and strangers, alike. With her aforementioned strong will and her boundless hospitality, she lovingly coaxed countless guests into enjoying a slice of cake or piece of peanut butter candy accompanied by a cup of coffee and a chat before heading on their way.

-her love of babies and animals. Marcella found joy in holding and spoiling every baby or young child she encountered, especially her own loved ones, and she wanted to pet and care for every animal she came across.

-her love of volleyball and the water. She loved reminiscing about cherished time spent camping with her family at Bluestone Lake, water skiing behind the boat, and participating in any opportunity for a volleyball game.

-her love for the Lord and her church family at Sunset Hills Missionary Baptist Church. She looked forward to going to church every Sunday, for as long as her mobility allowed. Her humility was evident when she spoke of her Father in Heaven. She summed up His love and grace so well, “I know He loves me, but I sure don’t deserve it.”

Marcella is preceded in death by her parents; eight older siblings, James Edwin “Slats,” Eula Gray, Stanley Woodrow, Mabel Lee “Pat,” Walter Conley, Charles Frances, John A “Junior,” and Virginia Mae; and two sons, John and Kenneth Conklin. She is survived by five children, Caretta Anderson (Mark), Claytina Shepherd (Terry), Samuel Adkins (Mary),DiAnna Adkins, and Sandra Pittman (Charlie);

grandchildren, Janet Hickman, Michael Conklin, TammieFleenor (Ray), Kenneth Wilson, Robert Bays (Colleen), Michael Lambert (Paige), Riley Anderson(Molly), and Chase Pittman(Brandon); great-grandchildren, Maigan Conklin, Tiffini Fleenor(Tyler), Cody Fleenor, Paxton Lambert, and Paisley Pittman; great-great-grandchildren, Levi Miller and Braxton Fleenor; and caregivers who became members of the family as they aided in her care and helped allow Marcella to live her final years in her home, Sherry Bolen, Jessica Lewis, and Sharona Reed.

She leaves her loved ones and community with these final words:

“As a proud mother of seven much-loved children, I am so thankful God gave me them. Although I lost my two oldest sons, they may be gone, but [are] never forgotten. As for the remaining five, I hope I [showed] my love in every way, because they are what I [had] to live for.

Love one another and forever hold them close in your heart as I [did]for each of you.”

A celebration of life is scheduled for Friday, June 9th at Sunset Hills Missionary Baptist Church in Coal City, WV. The family will receive visitors beginning at 6:00pm, followed by a funeral service at7:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia.