Frances Brooks Adkins

December 31, 1928 - January 13, 2021

Frances Brooks Adkins passed away on January 13, 2021, at her home in Virginia at the wise age of 92. She was a native of Kentucky but found herself traveling the world with her husband and daughter, both of whom served in the military. She was a loving wife, devoted mother, faithful friend, and accomplished artist and crafter. But, those who came to know her were struck by the fact that, despite all odds, she was a fiercely strong, independent and exceptionally capable woman and remained so throughout her entire thoroughly-lived life. With unflappable self-reliance, she could grow, can and preserve her own food, sew just about anything, and wield a paintbrush and screwdriver with the best of them. She loved life and immersed herself in all her pursuits with a full heart and adventurous spirit. When she became a military widow at an early age, she soldiered on to raise three children and proudly launch them on a path toward a positive and fulfilling life of their own, which was much harder in the 1960's when women in the workplace were few. No matter where she was, she kept the home fires burning so that her family always had a place of safety and sanctuary, a rock of stability that welcomed home all family or friends that needed comfort and nurturing. Above all, she had a pure heart, a good soul and a giving spirit. She had a personal foundation in faith and lived her Christian values every day. She didn't always have much, but she was happy to share whatever she had with others. She loved traveling, getting to know new communities and traditions, and she enriched the lives of all the people that she "adopted" across the county and around the world into her growing extended family. She was always young at heart and she loved to laugh and play and have a good time, which earned her the nickname, Toots. She loved nature - watching the flowers bloom, feeding the birds and watching them frolic in the birdbath, looking out her window to see the waves on the sandy beaches of the Chesapeake Bay, Sunday drives to nowhere in particular and of course, watching her program on TV. She had an artist's mind, creating beautiful works from just a thought or idea. She loved giving them away, but also participating in craft fairs where people showed their enthusiastic support of her hand-crafted work by buying everything she displayed. She enjoyed telling stories of how she had to go back and make more overnight. Shopping and collecting were also among her passions. She combed through yard sales and thrift stores to find hidden beauty that others overlooked or tossed aside but still had value for her. The same held true for people. She saw and accepted the beauty, good and value in everyone, not just the popular or obvious. This quality endeared her to all she came to know. And, she unabashedly supported and advocated for her family in whatever they choose to do. But, if you ever threatened the well-being of her children, heaven help you. Having lived a long life, she was unfortunately preceded in death by many cherished family and friends, including her husband, Latney Adkins, her daughter, Deborah Jane Adkins Psaute, her parents, Ardie and Ettie Brooks, her brother, Chester Brooks along with his wife and her dear friend Mabel Coleman Brooks and their children Anna Sue Brooks Crutcher, Ricky, Duren and Delores; her brother Paul Brooks and his wife Linda and son, Danny; brother J. C. Brooks; half-sister Anna Pearl Jameson; half-brother, Earl Swift; and life-long friend, Jean Akins. She grieved the loss of many family and friends who may not be mentioned by name but were nonetheless dear to her. Her memory remains in the hearts of those who survive her, including her son, Ronald Adkins and daughter-in-law, Rebecca Mull Adkins; daughter, Joyce Ann Adkins; son-in-law, Donald Psaute and granddaughter, Aimee Psaute, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday January 19, 2021 11:00 a.m. at Manakee Funeral Home of Elizabethtown with Rev. Buddy Brooks officiating. Burial will be held at Elizabethtown Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Monday 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. or Tuesday 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Manakee Funeral Home of Elizabethtown. The family requests that every visitor wear a mask or face cover and practice social distancing. Condolences may be expressed on-line at www.manakeefuneralhome.com.