GOLDIE VERNA (LINVILLE) ADKINS, 82, left us Saturday, August 26, 2017, and joined her recently departed husband and daughter at the heavenly banquet. Goldie suffered the blows of that double loss during the summer of 2016 and since; now, the pains of an absent spouse and child are no more, and every day is filled with joy, peace, and the company of loved ones. Born on March 6, 1935, Goldie was the daughter of Lenhart and Hazel Linville. She was predeceased by her parents and siblings, Lenhart Jr. Linville (Shirley), Lyle "Tony" Linville and Johnny Linville (Dorothy). Goldie is survived by siblings, Otis Linville (Phyllis), Jimmy Linville and Patty Linville Chapman; daughter, Dianne Jackson of Louisville, Ky.; sons, Scott Adkins Jr. (Jackie) and David "Flimsy" Adkins (Tina) of Hamlin, W.Va.; and a wide and loving circle of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom she adored, and all of whom are heartbroken at Mamaw Goldie's passing. She is also survived by many friends and beloved neighbors, who made the recent years easier for Goldie and her family. Her special friend, Phyllis Stowers, was ever present, for shopping trips, matters of faith, and so much more. She collected Goldie every Sunday, Tuesday, and Friday evenings for church at Morning Star. Phyllis and Goldie would also venture out on Saturdays. For all these kindnesses, Goldie's family will remain ever grateful. Her 82 years were full of giving. From the factory floor to the beautification of homes, from the care of the aged to the doting grandmother, Goldie was always helping others. Until its closure in 1978, Goldie was floor supervisor at the Dee-Mure Brassiere Factory in Hamlin, W.Va. She then embarked on a new venture, as a very successful representative for Home Interiors and Gifts. Later, she became a home caregiver for many elderly women in her residence on Upper Mud River Road. Through all these endeavors, the doors to Scott and Goldie's home were always open to family and friends. Anyone leaving Goldie's kitchen feeling the pangs of hunger had only himself to blame. The helpings were frequent and generous; the fare was tempting and delicious. The home knew few strangers. Goldie's friendly wave to passing motorists was reciprocated by those who knew her well or not at all. She loved her porch, the swings, the seats, the flowers, the visiting hummingbirds, and, above all, the company who would join her there of a summer's afternoon, a fall evening, or a spring morning. Goldie long talked about her childhood home at Palermo, W.Va. In recent months, she returned to that theme, and the "24 concrete steps and five more" she had to climb to her home. Her Heavenward journey is along a less winding path, and on gentler steps just recently ascended by daughter and husband. Easter Sunday, Thanksgiving, and Christmas gatherings saw Goldie's home host to successive generations of loved ones. The decorating, the food, the warmth, the laughter, and the gifts were a constant, no matter the time of year. From black and white prints, to polaroids, to 35mm, to digital cameras, to smartphones, Goldie's smile and beauty were captured through successive decades. As her final hours passed at St. Mary's Medical Center late last week, each generation recalled their Goldie in different ways. Every tale was told with smiles and laughter. The final days saw Goldie fight on and fight on, as though waiting until everyone had arrived, everyone had prayed, and everyone had a chance to say goodbye; their Goldie was moving on. As she would have wanted, her family made sure the nails were colorful and glossy, the jewelry was in place, and the hair was tidied and in order. Viewing for the late Goldie Adkins will take place at Koontz Funeral Home, Hamlin, W.Va., from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening, August 28, 2017. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday morning, August 29, at Koontz Funeral Home, with Evangelist Eugene Byrd and Rev. Jeff Black officiating, and burial afterward at the Lovejoy Cemetery, not far from where Goldie spent her childhood. She will be laid to rest alongside Scott, Gloria, and her extended family.
Published in The Herald-Dispatch on Aug. 28, 2017