Carnelle Fredrico Adkins, Sr., 52, of Providence Forge, Virginia, passed away at St Mary’s Hospital in Richmond, Va on September 23, 2026. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, on July 29, 1974. He was the son of Princess “Diann” Cotman King Lee (Theodore Lee), and Dudley Wedwood Adkins, Jr. (Anna Adkins).
Carnelle graduated from Charles City County Public Schools and pursued certification in Cosmetology, along with courses at J. Sargeant Reynolds Community College. He later served as Program Director for the Minority Health Consortium, where he was deeply committed to serving others and supporting individuals and communities affected by HIV/AIDS, STIs, and health disparities.
Carnelle was known for his kind heart, friendly spirit, honesty, and wonderful sense of humor. He loved shopping, traveling, decorating and spending time with family and friends. He had a special gift for making people feel comfortable, welcomed and at ease.
Carnelle was married to Shantell Adkins, and from that union he became the proud father of Carnelle Adkins, Jr. He was also lovingly called Dad by his bonus children, Zechariah Rogers and Shamylah Adkins. He was a cherished grandfather to Kaiden Adkins and Kaimya Adkins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, including his beloved “Big Ma”, Vernelle Adkins, who held a special place in his heart, and his special cousin, Suzette Collins.
In addition to his parents, Carnelle also leaves to cherish his memory his siblings, Sabrina Walters Williams, (Eric Williams) Atralia King, Dudley W. Adkins III, and Antoine King, (Quanda King); his bonus sisters, Shantell Washington and Regina Jackson, dedicated Neice and nephew Tarronce & Teara Walters; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and many beloved friends.
Carnelle’s life was filled with love, laughter, family, friendship and service. His warm spirit and ability to make others feel welcome will be remembered by all who knew and loved him.
He lived, he loved, he laughed—and his memory will live on in all who knew him.
