Catherine Adkins Obituary

Catherine Adkins, of Verdunville, WV, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. Born on March 17, 1936, Catherine was the cherished daughter of the late John and Domenica Cottone, who emigrated from Reggio Calabria, Italy.
Catherine is reunited in heaven with her devoted husband of over 65 years, Benny Adkins. She is survived by her brother, Mello Cottone (Maria); her children, Shirley Dardi (John), Cathy Adkins (Jon Mason), and Ricky Adkins (Faye); her grandchildren, Adam Spriggs (Kate Dolin), Mia Gordon, Amanda Spriggs (Ben Wilhelm), Benjamin Adkins (McKenna) and Jami Stollings (Jenny); her great-grandchildren, Levi Daniels, Braylee Gordon, Berkeley Adkins, Finn Spriggs-Wilhelm, and Miles Spriggs-Wilhelm and a host of sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. Catherine also leaves behind her loving friend, Barbara Gill, whom she spoke with daily and loved like a daughter.
Catherine attended Marshall University in her younger days with dreams of becoming a teacher. She was a successful businesswoman, having owned and operated Adkins Exxon for many decades. Catherine had a passion for travel that began at a young age when she journeyed by ship across the ocean to Italy. She took numerous other trips to Italy to visit family and embrace her heritage. Catherine loved traveling by bus with her girlfriends for trips across West Virginia and the United States. She loved the beach and enjoyed camping with her family at Dewey and Summersville Lakes. Catherine was a lifelong Catholic and was a member of the St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church.
Catherine was known for her love of spending time with her family and friends, always ready to lend a helping hand, especially to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her cooking talents were legendary throughout the area, particularly her meatballs and homemade pasta sauce, which brought joy to every gathering. You would be hard pressed to leave with an empty stomach after visiting her home. Her warmth, kindness, and vibrant spirit will be deeply missed by everyone that knew her.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to her caregivers, Paige Hicks, Sherry Sargent, Delores Adams and Riley Cornett. We want to especially recognize and thank Tammy Collins who lovingly provided excellent care, support and comfort to Catherine towards the end of her life. Special thanks to her niece and great niece Tammy and Natalie Blankenship for their abundant acts of kindness to her.
We would also like to extend gratitude to Dr. Jon Bowen, Shayla Procopio, the staff at the Coalfield Health Center and the many nurses and healthcare providers in the Intensive Care Unit at Logan Regional Medical Center, especially Dr. Billy Mullen and Dr. Anthony Toparis. Thank you to the Laboratory staff at LRMC for the countless hours spent in the process of locating and matching the rare blood needed for her many transfusions.
Services will be held at the Shining Light United Baptist Church on Crawley Creek Road in Chapmanville, WV with Freemans Funeral Home overseeing the arrangements. Visitation will be held Sunday, September 15, 2024, from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. and funeral services will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024, at noon with her son, Rev. Rick Adkins officiating. Friends may call at 11 a.m. on Monday prior to the funeral service. Burial will follow at the family's cemetery on Sawmill Road in Chapmanville, WV.
Catherine's legacy of love and dedication will forever live on in the hearts of her family and all who had the pleasure of knowing her. May she rest in peace and be reunited with her beloved Benny.