Charolette Ann Blankenship Adkins, 89, of Huntsville, Alabama, went to be with the Lord Friday, December 9, 2022.

Charolette was born August 19, 1933, in LaFollette, Tennessee to Edgar and Anna Mae (Shelby) Blankenship. She completed a two year Associates degree at Carson-Newman College. On June 11, 1954 she married William (Bill) Ray Adkins of Jacksboro, Tennessee. They raised three daughters.

She was a Homemaker and a part time receptionist for longtime friend and tax accountant, Rhea Brightwell. She spent her life demonstrating her love for family and friends through her hospitality, preparing meals, and the planning and organizing events to bring them together. Acquaintances and close friends often mentioned her kind and generous spirit. She compiled several church and family cookbooks to share recipes and document family history. She especially enjoyed decorating for Christmas and kept a vast Santa Claus collection. Her faith and daily Bible reading were a priority and sustained her through Life’s difficult times.

She enjoyed traveling and new experiences. Charolette and William were part of “The Gatlinburg Gang”, a group of 12 couples from their local Bama Rambler Square Dance club, who became lifelong friends camping and traveling together. She also served as the President of the G.E. Women’s Club

Charolette was preceded in death by her father, Edgar, mother, Anna, husband, William and daughter Karen Thomas. She is survived by daughters Brenda Brashear of Knoxville, Tennessee and Patti (Kevin) Preston of Huntsville, Alabama; six grandchildren Christina Iwamoto (Doug) of Huntsville, Al., Ryan Preston (Katie) of Harvest, Al., Ray Preston (Ariel) of Kingsport, Tn., Kyle Brashear (Abby) of Knoxville, Tn., Blake Brashear (Annika)of Atlanta, Ga., and Nichelle Preston of Huntsville, Al.; 5 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandsons; Brother-in-law Homer D. Adkins of Oak Ridge, Tn.; numerous loving nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Charolette’s life will be held at Cross-Smith Funeral Home, 300 East Central Avenue, LaFollette, Tennessee, 37766; Friday, December 16, 2022. Visitation at 1 p.m., service at 2 p.m. Interment will follow immediately at Campbell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, The family requests donations be made to the Gideons International or to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association.

Arrangements by Cross-Smith Funeral Home

Condolences may be given online at www.cross-smithfuneralhome.com

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