Wanda Yvette Adkins-Rainey, daughter of John Allen Adkins Sr. and the late Violet Etta Adkins of Charles City, departed this life on June 13, 2026.
She confessed Christ at an early age and was a member of Cedar Grove Baptist Church. However, she attended Colossians Baptist Church in Newport News, Virginia. Wanda was educated in the Charles City County school system and graduated from St. Paul’s College where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in early childhood education. On December 21, 1990 she married the late Charles Donald Rainey. She worked at the Parent Child Development Center and Head Start within the Yorktown County School System for many years. She retired after working at the Little Log Cabin Learning Center in Yorktown, Virginia.
Wanda was known for her compassionate spirit, generous heart, and ability to make everyone feel welcomed and loved. She was a proud member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. Wanda exemplified the values of service, scholarship, sisterhood, and community involvement. Above all, Wanda was a woman of deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ. Her relationship with the Lord was the foundation of her life, guiding her through every joy and challenge. She freely shared her faith with everyone she met, often reminding others that the Lord would never leave nor forsake her. Her trust in God’s promises never wavered, and her faith was a source of strength, comfort, and inspiration to family, friends, and all who knew her. She lived each day as a testament to God’s love, grace, and faithfulness.
Family was at the center of Wanda’s heart. She cherished every opportunity to spend time with loved ones, creating treasured memories through family gatherings, meals at her favorite restaurants, shopping trips, and celebrations. She found great joy in visiting Disney World with Allen and Jearice, where she embraced the magic and wonder that brought her joy.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Donald Rainey; her mother, Violet Etta Adkins. Precious memories will be cherished by her loving family; father, John Adkins; siblings, John Adkins Jr., and Jeanine Black (Maurice); nephews, Travis Simmons, Morris Combs, and Allen Black; nieces, Desiree Adkins, Candace Dillard, Dominique Rainey, Jearice Black, and Alexis Rainey; sisters-in-law, Debrah Combs, Peggy Dillard (Maynard), and Tracey Sumblin; brother-in-law, Douglas Rainey (Melinda); and many other relatives and friends. A special thanks to all of her loving and devoted friends.
