Phillis Jane Adkins

Phillis Jane Dunavent Adkins, 73, of Owenton, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023, with her family by her side.

She was born to the late Lewis Dunavent and Lucy B. Dunavent Smith, on July 8, 1949. Three years after her
father’s death, Lucy B. married Robert “Bob” Smith, and Phillis was lovingly raised by him and named her first son
after him. She had one brother, the late Ronnie Dunavent (Shirley) of Fairfield, Ohio. Phillis graduated from Owen
County High School in 1967. She married the late Larry Woodrow Adkins in 1967, and they forged a life together in Owen County for over fifty-four years before Larry passed in February of 2021. She retired from the Department of Insurance in Frankfort, after 20 years of service, to care for her aging mother. She and her husband enjoyed beekeeping, visiting the sick and shut-ins, and traveling with family.

Phillis is survived by three children: Robert “Robby” Adkins (Kristi); Larry “Danny” Adkins; and Michael Adkins, all of
Owenton. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Blake Robertson (Amy), Autumn Adkins Collins (Greg),
Mercy Adkins, Lavender Adkins, and Violet Adkins, and five great-grandchildren: Isaiah Robertson, Heaven Robertson, Harmony Robertson, Essie Robertson, and Roman Robertson.

Phillis was a member, teacher, and pianist at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church where her husband pastored for over 32
years. She and Larry served their church faithfully and their community humbly by sharing God’s word and
unconditional love. Over the years they led in song and Bible study at the Manor and Senior Citizens meetings.
To know Phillis was to experience the love of Christ from a caring, considerate, compassionate woman who knew
how to sacrifice for family, friends, and even strangers.

New Funeral Homes are in charge of arrangements. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 11 from 4 pm to 9 p.m. at the New Funeral Home, main street. On Wednesday, July 12 from 11 am-1 pm, there will be time for extended visitation with funeral services beginning at 1 p.m. Folks desiring to make donations in Phillis’ memory can give to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church.