Johnnie Adkins

On Sunday, Jan. 9, 2011, God in his infinite wisdom saw fit to call our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend, Johnnie Adkins, from life on earth to eternal life. Johnnie resided at 2217 Van Dorn St., in Petersburg, Va. He was born on Aug. 20, 1946, to the late John and Elizabeth Adkins. He was also preceded in death by his siblings: Robert Adkins, Mildred Jones, Bessie Mae Baker, and Bernice Brown; and a devoted nephew, Andrew Lee White. Johnnie accepted Christ as his personal savior and served as a member of the Cornerstone Church of Our Lord under the leadership of the late Elder George Parham. Johnnie was educated in the Petersburg public school system. In 2004, Johnnie retired from the Phillip Morris Corp., after 30 years of service.

Johnnie was a man of God who loved his family unconditionally. He was dedicated, committed, and loyal to his faith and to his beliefs. He enjoyed bowling, throwing horseshoes, and playing pool. Johnnie had a charismatic personality and was a friend to all who knew him. We honor his life and his legacy, and we thank God for blessing us with his presence and with his love.

Johnnie's memory will be forever cherished by his beloved wife of 43 years, Doris A. Adkins; one devoted daughter, Karen R. Adkins; and one son, Demetrius Griggs Sr. of Memphis, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Nakia Brittany Griggs and Demetrius Griggs Jr. of San Diego, Calif., Demetria Griggs, DaVawn Griggs of Memphis, Tenn., and a devoted granddaughter, Taryn S. Adkins; two loving brothers, Willie Adkins (Marion), Richard Adkins (Sonja); two devoted sisters, Deloris Garrison and Margie Myrick; one sister-in-law, Iris Cody (Joseph) of Sierra Vista, Ariz.; two brothers-in-law, Bobbie M. Goodwyn (Mary) and Carl J. Goodwyn (Mary Francis); a host of faithful nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Johnnie also leaves to cherish his memory two loving goddaughters, Anita Williams (Jesse), and Carolyn Scott (Arnell). Among the many dedicated friends, we would like to thank Mattie P. Bell (and family), Dorothy Mae Adkins, Corvell Hines, Blanche Gordon, and Vernetta Cox-Dupree. We would also like to extend special thanks to the Hardee's breakfast bunch; the South Boulevard 7-Eleven staff, Eggie and Zina of Exxon, and staff, the Phillip Morris gang; and the ICU nursing staff of the Southside Regional Medical Center for the love and support they had for "Big Pimpin."

A funeral service will be held at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at Refuge Temple of Our Lord Jesus Christ, located at 1890 Boydton Plank Road, Petersburg, Va. Elder David Hill will be officiating. Family and friends are asked to assemble at the residence at 11 a.m. Interment will be at Dinwiddie Memorial Park. The family will receive calls at (804) 841-7536 or (804) 605-0118.

Arrangements entrusted to the staff of William N. Bland & Son Funeral Home, Petersburg. Online condolences may be sent to www.blandenterprisesinc.com.