Mrs. Marrita J. Adkins

Marrita Jane Adkins was born on October 5, 1952, in Forrest City, Arkansas, to the late Mr. Earnest Fertha, Jr., and the late Mrs. Mary Bright Fertha. Reared in a loving Christian home, she accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Rising Sun Missionary Baptist Church; a faith that secured and guided her throughout her life. Educated in the Forrest City School District apart of the Class of 1970, Marrita carried from her youth a determination to work hard, speak truth, and care well for others. Answering a calling to serve, she began her career after high school at Borden's Nursing Home and later continued her compassionate work at Wynwood Nursing Center and Crestpark Skilled & Retirement Inn. Alongside her facility service, she provided home health and private-duty nursing. Taking care of people was not simply what Marrita did; it was who she was. Families remember her as steady-handed and tender-hearted, the one who showed up, stayed late, and gave her best. A devoted mother, she was lovingly "strict," instilling in her children the values of integrity, respect, and an unwavering work ethic. Outgoing and outspoken, she meant what she said and said what she meant. She found joy and friendly debate in sports; especially golf, basketball, football, and wrestling, and she loved country music, particularly George Strait and Neal McCoy. Marrita was preceded in death by her parents; her great-granddaughter, Tia Lay; and five siblings: John Grady, Alma Rainey, Lula Grady, Charlene "Cub" Fertha, and Edward Charles Fertha. She departed this life on August 16, 2025, at Saint Francis Hospital in Memphis. She leaves to treasure her memory her children: Felicia Adkins; Sean (Jomar) Adkins of Forrest City, AR; Frederick (Tasha) Adkins of Jonesboro, AR; Nickalaus Adkins; Mareco Adkins; and Precious Adkins, all of Forrest City, AR. She is also celebrated by sixteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren; her brothers Ernest Fertha III, Melvin Fertha, Michael Fertha, Leardis Fertha, and Victor Fertha, all of Forrest City, AR; Herman Smith of Fayetteville, AR; her sisters Dorothy Fertha and Rosie Swift, both of Forrest City, AR, and Dora Mull of St. Louis, MO; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. Marrita's legacy is one of faith, service, and strength of a mother who taught by example, a caregiver who lifted burdens, and a woman whose voice and laughter filled every room. Those who loved her will honor her by working hard, telling the truth, and loving people with their whole hearts, just as she did. May her memory be a blessing, and may the lives she touched continue to reflect the light she so generously shared.