January 21 1920 November 14 2021
Loleta’s Obituary Loleta E. Stoudenmier Adkins, age 101, of Lenoir passed away Sunday, November 14, 2021 at Brookdale Senior Living. Loleta was the oldest of six children, all born in Mobile, Alabama to the late Jefferson L. and Elizabeth Zibauch Stoudenmire. In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charlie H. Adkins; one son, E. Donald Adkins; son-in-law, Carroll M. Laxton; two brothers, J. Leslie Stoudenmire (Sara), and William “Bill” E. Stoudenmire (Lillie); two sisters, Elsie Strother (Ted), and Florence Terry (Albert); and sister-in-law, Nell Stoudenmire. After living several years in Mobile the family moved to Raleigh, NC. Upon her father’s death Loleta assumed more family responsibilities as her mother worked to support the family. After meeting and marrying Charlie Adkins, Wilmington, NC eventually became home and the young family grew to four. As was the norm at that time, Loleta’s central focus was the home, family and community. She was also the unseen support of her husband’s construction repair business handling the phone calls and all the paperwork. She was a strong supporter of all the schools her children attended, whether it was doing food boxes for those in need or spending many Saturdays in the school auditorium showing chapters of serial movies such as Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger, and Flash Gordon, as was the norm in the 1940s. After her children were grown she continued to support the local schools by being a room volunteer aide for many years. She also was an active Club Scout, Brownie Scout, and Girl Scout leader. Family trips to the local beaches to look for unusual shells, to fish, and to crab were routine outings. Loleta held many positions in her home church, mainly working with children in the earlier years, later she served as Church Hostess. Gardening, both flowers and vegetables were a later passion. The home was always open and welcoming to friends and those that needed a seat at the table. She was known for her “from scratch” biscuits, made twice a day and always available on the stove for a snack. In 1992 Loleta made the decision to move to Lenoir to be closer to family while she was still able to create a life for herself. She continued to help others by volunteering in the “English as a Second Language” program at the local furniture factories for several years. The “lights of her life” were her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she loved to share her latest pictures with everyone she met. Those left to cherish her memory include one daughter, Evelyn Laxton of Lenoir; one brother, Jack E. Stoudenmier of Southern Pines; one sister-in-law, Judy Stolls of Raleigh; two grandchildren, David Laxton and wife Dessie, and Laura Laxton and husband Stu Egan; four great-grandchildren, Gregory Laxton, Alicia Laxton, McKenzie Egan, and Malcom Egan; and numerous nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. A memorial service to honor and celebrate the life of Mrs. Adkins will be held Sunday, December 12, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. at First Baptist Church of Lenoir conducted by Rev. Josh Hughes. Rev. Dr. David Smith, and Dr. Thomas Hinton. Interment to be in Wilmington, NC at a later date. Due to COVID-19 we ask that out of respect and concern for others that masks be worn upon entering the church and please practice social distancing. The family would like to express their gratitude to her caregivers from Amorem (Hospice) for the wonderful care, compassion, and love that they gave Loleta. Love and appreciation also goes to the staff of Brookdale Assisted Living for adopting her as their own “Nana” and giving her a second loving family. Memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Lenoir for the Mulberry/Main St. Mission Mile Project. This touches so many areas that she worked to advance over her lifetime. Also Amorem (Hospice) of Caldwell County to support their work, 902 Kirkwood Street NW, Lenoir, NC 28645. Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Adkins family. To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Loleta E. Stoudenmier Adkins, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store. Read More
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Loleta E Stoudenmier Adkins January 21 1920 November 14 2021.
Death notice for the town of: Lenoir, state: North Carolina