Emma Jean Adkins (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Emma Jean Adkins, daughter of Lloyd and Beatrice Sharp Bennett, was born October 28,1928, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, January 12, 2018, in Lebanon North Nursing and Rehabilitation, at the age of eighty-nine years, two months, and fifteen days.
On August 19, 1950, she was united in marriage to Gilbert G. Adkins, Sr., and to this union two sons were born.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Gib; three sisters, Florene Johnson, Rosalie McCrory, and Bette Cook; two brothers, Estel Bennett and Verdon Bennett; and one grandson, Jared Hilton.
Emma Jean is survived by two sons, Gib Adkins, and his wife Angie, of Lebanon, Missouri, and Tim Adkins, of Lebanon, Missouri; six grandchildren, Myranda, Brittanie, Emily, Andrew, Nicholas, and Alexander; seven great-grandchildren, Quentin, Lyla, Charlotte, Wyatt, Betty, Sloane, and Skylar; four sisters in-law, Helen Adkins, Mary Van Stavern, Kathryn Jenkins, all of Lebanon, Missouri, and Nadine Newman, of Camdenton, Missouri; several nieces and nephews; one special nephew, Mike Cook; as well as a host of other family members and friends.
She was born and raised in the Lebanon area. Her family lineage dates back to the 1700’s, to the Sons of the American Revolution. She was also a member of the Bennett family that sold Bennett Spring to the State of Missouri.
Emma Jean graduated from Lebanon High School in the Class of 1946 and went to work at the Rice Stix Factory as a telephone operator.
After she and Gib were married, she worked alongside him in their family businesses which included Adkins Body Shop, commercial real estate, managing apartments and used car business. She did all of the bookkeeping for their businesses and was also a devoted homemaker to her husband and sons through the years.
Emma Jean professed her faith in Christ at the age of six, and was a longtime active member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon for over eighty years. She had a profound faith in Christ and was very active in various phases of church work. She was involved in the Senior Adult Groups at First Baptist Church.
She was active in her community and always wanted to help others. She served two terms as President of the Hillcrest Elementary School P.T.A. She loved antiques, and she and Gib had a large collection of antique clocks. She was described as an excellent cook, enjoyed making special recipes for her family, and enjoyed following her children and grandchildren in their various activities.
Emma Jean was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her lifetime.
Memorial contributions to First Baptist Church, may be made through the funeral home.
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