July 4, 1965 – February 5, 2023
God, in his infinite wisdom, saw fit to call Karen from life on earth to eternal life on Sunday, February 5, 2023. Karen Renee Adkins, 57, was born in Richmond, VA, on July 4, 1965 to the late Mr. Johnnie Adkins and Mrs. Doris Adkins. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Charles and Novella Goodwyn, all of Petersburg, VA.
Karen was raised in Petersburg, VA and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church in Petersburg, VA. She attended Petersburg Public Schools and graduated from Petersburg High School in 1983. During her time at PHS, she was an active student – serving on the Bicentennial Committee and National Honor Society. During that time, she forged many lasting friendships including one with the late Kettia Jackson and Vonda Mayfield – affectionately known as “The Buffalo Girls.” In 1992, Karen graduated with honors from Virginia State University with a B.A. in Political Science. She remained civic minded throughout her life, volunteering for various political campaigns and joining The Coalition of 100 Black Women.
Karen began her professional career in The Office of Sponsored Programs at Virginia State University. There, she was able to gain invaluable knowledge from mentors and cultivate many friendships. She has also worked in the trucking industry and the mental health field as a Therapeutic Day Treatment provider. However, Karen found her calling in the classroom. She treated her students and co-workers like family and impacting the lives of students brought her great joy. She taught in South Carolina, Richmond, VA, and Petersburg City Public Schools. Her focal area was in Special Education. In her efforts to enhance her professional development, Karen had recently applied and been accepted to the Virginia State University College of Education and the Department of Teaching & Learning “I Too Teach” Teacher Residency Program to pursue a fully-funded Master of Education in Special Education.
In addition to her intellectual prowess, Karen had a charismatic personality and was a friend to all. This is evident in her long-lasting friendships and connections made with new acquaintances. One of her life’s dreams was fulfilled when Karen was initiated into the Franklin Tri-County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. in the Spring of 2008.
Karen was an avid Dallas Cowboy fan and could be heard cheering loudly for her team. Karen also possessed an entrepreneurial spirit, and she used her creative talents accordingly. Her hobbies included cross-stitching, arts and crafts, and making personalized t-shirts and cups. Karen thoroughly enjoyed music and fine arts. During her travels, she enjoyed visiting art museums and cultivated that love in her daughter as well. She was a docent at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, VA, for several years. She also enjoyed attending concerts of various genres – from opera to Jazz to R&B.
We, who were struck by the bitter pains of death, but satisfied at the promise made by God, that HE will wipe all tears from our eyes are her loving mother, Doris A. Adkins of Petersburg, VA; her dedicated daughter, Taryn S. Adkins of Midlothian, VA; uncles, Bobbie Goodwyn of Petersburg, VA, Carl Goodwyn (Mary Frances) of Dinwiddie, VA, and Richard Adkins (Sonja); loving aunt, Margie Myrick of Petersburg, VA; godchildren, Rudy Jackson and Talaka Jackson both of Petersburg, VA; god-brother, Thomas Goshen; god-sisters, Anita Bailey Williams (Jesse) and Carolyn Bailey Coleman (Jerome) all of Petersburg, VA; a host of cousins including a special cousin, Jocelyn Thompson (Andre) of McDonough, GA; extended family members and cherished friends, Joanie Carmichael (James), Crystal Johnson, Jamilah Williams, KaToya Wagner, Rosa Taylor and family, Theresa Owens and family, Mattie P. Bell and family, and many more, too numerous to name.
The members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. are asked to gather one hour prior to for the funeral services for the Omega Omega Service followed by the funeral services at 11:00 A.M., Saturday, February 11, 2023 in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Pastor Michael E. Shannon, Sr., eulogist. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.