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Janice Adkins

October 06, 1938 - July 24, 2012

JANICE MARIE ADKINS, 73, of Belvidere, passed away after a brief illness on July 24, 2012 at Swedish American Hospital with her family by her side. She was born Oct. 6, 1938 in Banner Elk, NC, to Claude and Bea Davis. Raised an "army brat,” she lived in many locations in the U.S., particularly Elk Park, NC. She married her loving husband of 56 years, Phil Adkins, on June 10, 1956 in Fort Lewis, Wash. They lived in California, then settled in the Belvidere-Rockford area where they raised two children, Shon and Kathy. Valuing education, she took courses at Rock Valley College and worked in public relations/education for many years. Her family was the center of her life, and over the years her home served as the hub of activity for children, grandchildren, relatives, and friends. They knew her as a positive, kind, caring, generous person who showed unconditional love for all. Also an adventurer, she loved to travel with Phil and other family members to places such as Alaska, Hawaii, California, Arizona, Las Vegas, Panama Canal, Caribbean Islands, Bora Bora, Tahiti, England, France, and Mexico. She flew in a bush plane in Alaska, rode in a hot air balloon in Lake Tahoe, took a flying lesson at age 70, and planned to parasail in California next year. Jan will be like a butterfly that continues to travel. Family who will dearly miss her include her husband, Phil Adkins, of Belvidere; son, Shon Adkins, of Rockford; daughter, Kathy Adkins of Rockford; grandchildren Eric, Brittany, and Anthony; great-granddaughter Audrina; brothers, Harold Davis and Philip Davis; sisters, Margaret Alexander, and Patti Davis; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Engelhart and many fantastic nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at the Starlight Theatre Pavilion at Rock Valley College on Friday, July 27 at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Starlight Theatre, Rockford, Ill.

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So sorry for your loss Kathy. Just know that our thoughts are with you. Dave and Gayle
gayle leombruni

Dear Shon,Kathy and Phil, So sorry to hear about your mother and wife passing. Even though I had not seen her in a long time the memories of hanging with Shon in high school was always fun.She always was a joy to be around and I remember going to the house for our pictures of prom (that Shon talked me into going with him!!)and my hair was a mess. She took me to the bathroom and fixed it for me. I was not very good on hair and makeup at the time.I wonder where that picture ever went?? Many good times with the family. Again, so sorry to hear about your loss. She was a amazing woman with a heart of gold that I will never forget.
Kristine Tarrant Grooms

My deepest condolences to this wonderful and special family. It was a privilege and an honor to take care of Janice prior to her going home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. She was a delight to be with and a pleasure to be around. I will always remember Janice as one of those "special" patients that left me with an indelible impression on my life and heart for a lifetime. Though my time was short with Janice, her strength and grace were admirable. I will miss her. 2 Corinthians 5:8 "We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord."
Julie, RN

In the short 5-6 years that I have known Jan she truly impacted my life greatly. Jan became a great friend who encouraged me to always keep trying and to always stay positive. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to have Jan as a friend and will hold her memory and kind words near and dear to my heart always. I know Jan will continue to spread love and joy in heaven and forever. She will live on forever in the hearts of everyone she met and will continue to be a role model for me. We love you Jan!Rest in Peace.
Khrisa Miskell

So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of all of you at this time.
Dan & Cathy Flynn

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