Carolyn Ann Adkison

Carolyn Ann Adkison, 79, passed this life on Sunday, January 5, 2025, in Riverside Methodist Hospital after an extended illness. 

Mrs. Adkison was born Monday, May 28, 1945, in Columbus, Mississippi to Ivy and Mary L. (Swope) Kidd and lived in Mansfield since her childhood. Carolyn graduated high school from 33rd Avenue School, Gulfport MS in 1963 and later earned an associate’s degree from North Central Technical College. Carolyn’s innate curiosity for new experiences led her down a storied career path which included factory employee, H&R Block Tax Associate, Sunburst Beauty Pageant Assistant Director, and Home Health Aide. A member of Mt. Hermon Baptist Church, she served as Church Clerk, Sunday School Teacher, alto in the Sanctuary Choir, Puppet Ministry leader, and member of the Pastor’s Aid, Women’s Day, Hospitality, and Food Pantry Ministries. Carolyn was also a twenty-year member of the Order of Eastern Star Rose of Sharon Chapter #16, where she served as the Grand Financial Secretary for St. Mary’s Grand Chapter and Treasurer of the Queen of South Palace. 

Carolyn never met a stranger and her heart of service and love for people molded her interests: whether volunteering for Toy Time, the Oasis of Love community block party, DNC delegation, or N.A.A.C.P. programs; baking her classic sweet potato pies for friends and family (and a few extra for her brother John); traveling the country with her besties the “Golden Girls”; or providing multiple generations of Mansfield youth with unconditional love, unwavering support, and unending trips to Cedar Point, Geauga Lake, Sea World, Kalahari, IX and Kingwood Centers, Coliseum Roller Rink, Friendly House, Richland Mall, Putt-Putt Golf, and the Drive-In Movies. 

Carolyn is survived by ten grandchildren, Sheniqua and Michael Adkison Jr.; Caitlyn and Kelee Carper; Ayonna, Jaheim, and Cierra Osborne; Janae and Miya Mack; and Kyla Touray; two greatgrandchildren: Luca Osborne and Larte Grice; sister Maxine Kidd of Sandusky; brother John (Lynda) Kidd of Mansfield; and a host of treasured nieces and nephews, beloved cousins, and dear friends. 

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was preceded in death by her children Doris Laverne Adkison and Michael Dwight Adkison Sr.; her grandparents Rev. Johnnie and Malissa Swope who raised her; eight siblings Nancy, David, and Robert Kidd, Cynthia Saunders, Mary Alice Smith, Ann Bond, Doris White, and Bennie Shoulders; nieces Rosemary and Onyx Kidd; and aunt Sallie McKinney. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 18 at 10:00AM in Mt. Hermon Baptist Church under the direction of her pastor Rev. Link Briggs. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the funeral service beginning at 9:00 a.m. Interment will be in Mansfield Cemetery. The family will also receive friends at her home, 327 Harmon Ave. daily from 6-8 p.m. until the day of service.