Dolly Marlene Adkins, 87, of Providence Forge, VA, received her eternal healing as she entered the heavenly gates on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.
Dolly was preceded in death by her husband, P. Curtis Adkins, parents, Miles, Novella, and Oraina Cannada, son Mel Adkins, and siblings Mamie Whitehead, Vernon, Raymond, Roosevelt, Elijah and William Cannada.
Dolly is survived by her children, Todd (Missy) Adkins and Tanya (Jon) Stewart; grandchildren, Leann Adkins (Justin), Brandon Adkins (Rylee), Keenan Stewart (Savanna) and Jessica Holmes; great-grandchildren, Lincon, Sequoyah, Brayden, Kohen, Chesney, Michael, Kingsleigh, and Kee’nah; sisters, Eliouse Jones, Zelma Wynn (Jesse); brothers, Alton Cannada, Darrell Cannada (Ruby), and Calvin Adkins; sisters-in-law, Mae, Bertha, and Syble Cannada; close friend, Leroy Wynn, special friend, Tammy Stover; and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Dolly loved God and accepted Jesus Christ at a young age. She was a member of Samaria Baptist Church, served as a GA leader, and active within the Women’s Missionary Union (WMU).
Dolly devoted her life to her family and home, finding deep purpose and joy caring for those she loved. She and her husband, Curtis, raised three children together, each of whom came to know their Lord and Savior. Her days were filled with countless acts of love, such as sewing, making clothes, handmade household items, and altering clothes for others. She enjoyed baking, specifically prune pies and a “poor man’s fruitcake”, and making her signature potato salad. These were all quiet sacrifices made without expectation of recognition.
Dolly opened up her home to the community over the years, serving as a trusted babysitter for many kids. She had a natural gift for nurturing young hearts by simply being there when she was needed the most. Many families came to rely on her not only as a caregiver, but as an extension of their own. The love she shared and lives she touched will be remembered always.
Dolly was a proud citizen of the Chickahominy Indian Tribe. She served as a teacher for the Tribe’s Cultural School held on Saturday mornings for Tribal Youth from 1981-2002. In this role, she taught intricate Native American beadwork, mainly on a loom, leatherwork, and Tribal history to students. She had a remarkable ability to recognize potential in every child, offering patience, encouragement, and thoughtful guidance. As an artist, her own beadwork and pottery were very detailed and inspired others.
Dolly will be remembered as a woman of faith, a loving mother, grandmother, sister and friend. The family would like to give a special thank you to Haley Martin, Bobbie Stewart, Donna F. Adkins, the Chickahominy Tribe’s Health and Wellness Team, and Tina with Gentiva Hospice for providing compassionate and loving care.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Chickahominy Indian Tribe.
