Norma J. Adkins

Martinsville bids a fond farewell to lifelong Martinsville resident, Norma Jean Adkins, 89, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, who entered eternal rest at her daughter's residence in Greenwood, Indiana, with loved ones by her side on Sunday, December 28th, 2025.
Norma was one of eight children born to the late Jerry Burl and Mattie Jane (Britt) Mansfield. She was born in Martinsville, Indiana, on Thursday, November 5, 1936. She was a proud graduate of Martinsville High School with the Class of 1954, where she was active as a cheerleader and met her lifetime best friend Marilyn Kennedy. Shortly after graduating, Norma married the love of her life, Larry Joe Adkins, on September 14, 1956. Together, Norma and Larry shared nearly 69 years of marriage and a beautiful family before his passing on October 24th, 2025.
Shortly after high school, she worked at Bridgeport Brass and then later at Staggs Drug Store. Working for the Martinsville School District for 20+ years, she positively impacted many students as a librarian at North Elementary School and as a Title-1 Reading Aide at South Elementary School.
Above all, Norma's heart belonged to her family. She was a dedicated room mother for her children and never missed a recital, sporting event, or marching band performance. In her later years, she was equally active in her grandchildren's lives. An overnight at grandma and grandpa's house was a joy for them, where she would fix their favorite foods and enjoy spending one on one time.
Beyond her family, Norma was a fixture at the card table. She spent over 50 years playing Bridge with her dear friends - Alice, Donnice, Geneva, Mary Jane, Phyllis, Roxana, and Virginia. In recent years, she stayed active playing cards with several local ladies' groups. When she wasn't holding a hand of cards, she was likely on the move-traveling to Florida with friends and family or enjoying a quick trip to the casino to try her luck at the slot machines. She was a longtime member of Liberty Christian Church in Martinsville and assisted in the preparation of meals for funeral services. Norma was also active in Kappa Kappa Sigma Sorority for many years. Norma's memory will be forever cherished by her loving family, including her son, Tom Adkins (wife, Lisa) of Asheville, North Carolina; daughters, Jill Doles (husband, Dwayne) of Greenwood, Indiana, and Kathy Auge (husband, Jon) of Red Wing, Minnesota; sister, Alice Fleener of Martinsville, Indiana; grandchildren, Megan Lee (husband, Corey), Adam Doles, Hailey and Maddie Adkins, Colton and Logan Auge, and great-grandchildren Roman and Bennett Lee.
She was preceded in death by her parents, J.B. and Mattie Mansfield; her husband, Larry; sisters, Margie and Annie Mansfield, Mary Hadley and Irene Poehler; and brothers, Jerry and Paul Mansfield.
Family and friends are invited to visit on Friday, January 2nd, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Neal & Summers Funeral & Cremation Center. A service celebrating Norma's life will begin at 4:00 p.m. Friday, immediately following the visitation at the funeral home.
In honoring her final wishes, Norma's earthly remains will be cremated following the service, and she will be laid to rest alongside her husband at Nebo Memorial Park Cemetery in Martinsville.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society at www.cancer.org. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.nealandsummers.com.