Born in Fairmont, West Virginia, Flora was the eleventh and youngest child of James and Sina (Ledsome) Martin. Flora’s siblings were Pauline, Geraldine, Oscar, Bill, Jessie, Harold, Sadie, Ralph, Ernie and Chester. All have passed except for Chester. Flora retired from Richland Bank with 32 years of service. She began as a teller and moved into the Mortgage Loan Division where she spent half of her career. Flora was well known for her honesty and impeccable integrity, she was so highly regarded that they brought her back twice after she had retired.
Flora’s love for the Lord was the driving force behind all that she did. She maintained a positivity that is rarely seen; spending time with her was like sunshine for the soul and medicine for the mind. Her wisdom, empathy, kindness, lovingness, honesty, inner strength, understanding, patience, humility, respectfulness, humor, courage and faith endeared her to everyone. She spent her time selflessly helping others. She regularly sang gospel music for funerals and at nursing homes, with the help of her sound man and companion, John Ruehle. People looked forward to her presence and the love and kindness she always spread. Additionally, she was a wonderful hostess who was famous for her down-home southern cooking; peanut butter fudge and pies were her specialty.
Flora began her singing career with her husband, Bill Adkins, and the Fugitives. They performed country music for several decades throughout the region. They wrote and recorded several albums and had a huge fan base. Over time, they transitioned to performing predominantly gospel music. They were always willing to share their talents with charity events, benefits, and church appearances. Flora competed and won several Dolly Parton Look-Alike contests. She was beautiful inside and out!
Flora is survived by her daughter, Sissy Sherman; brother, Chester Martin; special friend and companion, John Ruehle (Mr. R.); five grandchildren; seventeen great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Fredia Adkins; and several children and grandchildren who called her “Udder Mudder”. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Rodney Sherman; husband, Bill Adkins; grandson, Lee Spencer; and nine siblings.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 2, 2024, at Wappner Funeral Directors-Ontario, 100 S. Lexington-Springmill Road. The funeral service will be held in the funeral home on Friday at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Brian Phillips officiating. Additional visitation will be held from 10:00-11:00 a.m. She will be laid to rest in Mansfield Memorial Park. Memorial contributions may be made to New Beginnings Free Will Baptist Church, 2375 Stiving Road, Mansfield, OH 44903.
Flora entered each of our hearts. Her memory and love will always be with each of us. Her life’s journey is now complete. However, it is with certainty that just like on earth, she will be one of Heaven’s most outstanding angels.
