Lena Orpha Adkins

Services: Arrangements will be private. Lena Orpha Adkins, age 93, of Lexington Park, MD formerly of Great Mills, MD and Coeburn, VA went to her eternal rest on January 15, 2012. Matriarch of a large and loving family, she was the “glue” that kept her family together. Lena was born on April 9, 1918, in Wise County, VA, the only child of Warren and Virginia Kiser. Lena was predeceased in death by her 1st husband, Raymond Adkins of Coeburn, VA., and her 2nd husband, Clifford Adkins, of Great Mills, MD, as well as her 2 eldest sons, Doffis R. Adkins and Jerry W. Adkins, both of Great Mills, MD. . Lena is survived by her children; Donnie D. Adkins, of Leonardtown, MD., Janet J. Shoemaker (Boyd) of Bushwood, MD, Freddy M. Adkins (Gail) of Great Mills, MD, Gaye N. Norris (Ted) of Hendersonville, NC., Sheila J. Quade (Lennie) of Callaway, MD, Michael C. Adkins of Lexington Park, MD., and Dawn M. Fjeldheim (Russell) of Leonardtown, MD. Lena was predeceased by half sister Wilma, June, and Claudia, and half brothers Herschel Clifford, and Herman. She is survived by half sisters Joyce Hughes of VA, Margie Hockensmith of Fl, and half brother Robert Lawson of TN. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Jimmy Adkins (Mary Ann) of Great Mills, MD., as well as many nieces and nephews. Affectionately known as “Granny” to her 24 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and numerous great great grandchildren, she will be remembered for her kindness, her stories of “old times” and her quick wit. Her 24 grandchildren are; Danny Adkins, Larry Adkins, Ricky Adkins, Ronnie Adkins, Joyce Dunn, Janie Stauffer, Randy Adkins, Diane Kessler, Ray Adkins, Kenny Adkins, Lynda Cruchiotti, Craig Adkins, Todd Adkins, Kim Adkins, Kevin Adkins, Donna Morris, John Shoemaker, Dennis Adkins, Jeff Davis, Janet Lynn Whalen, Joey Ridgell, David Quade, Kelly Castle, and Michael Adkins. She is also survived by her dear friend of many many years, Ms. Leona Hill of Calvert County, MD. Lena was educated in small rural school houses in Wise County, VA., she excelled in school and throughout her 93 years would recite poetry, she had learned in those classrooms many years ago. Raised by her grandparents on a small mountain top homestead, Lena recalled with great fondness tending the crops with her “Poppy”, and learning the names of every plant, shrub, root, and tree from her grandmother. Lena was an avid reader, and always had a book near her favorite chair. She enjoyed gardening and had an exceptional talent for growing African violets, varieties of every color, and size imaginable. It was the little things in life that Lena enjoyed most such as morning coffee each and every day with her son, going to lunch, and shopping with her daughters, and occasional trip to her beloved mountains of Virginia. She embodied the true meaning of a simple and well lived life. There will be no services, by request. Memorial contributions may be made in her name to the Lexington Park Vol. Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 339, Lexington Park, MD 20653. For whose services she was truly grateful. Arrangements provided by the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home, P.A, Leonardtown, MD.