Mrs. Cecil Novella Cecill Novella Adkins Carlton

Cecil Novella Adkins (Mahaffey) Carlton, May 28, 1915 - June 7, 2010. Cecil was born in Roxbury, Virginia, one of 5 children of Benjamin and Savannah Bradby Adkins who were members of the Chickahominy and Pamunkey tribes respectively. Cecil, her mother and four siblings moved west in the early 1930's settling in Phoenix, Arizona. Cecil married Lawson Edward Mahaffey in 1933, and was blessed with 2 daughters, Shirley and Jacqueline. Cecil and Lawson were later divorced. Subsequently, Cecil met and married the great love of her life Robert Grover "Tick" Carlton. Cecil and "Tick" had 17 years of dancing and deep love until "Tick's" passing in 1961. Cecil then began a career at Sears until retiring in 1980. Early on, Cecil was one of the child care "moms" for her family. She baby sat with and nurtured many of her nieces, nephews, cousins, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who will always think of her as a second mom. Cecil especially enjoyed family gatherings and trips visiting relatives in Virginia, attending pow wows and going to church. Cecil is survived by her two daughters; Shirley Rich Hendricks (David) and Jacqueline Vines Pillion (Richard), four grandchildren; Scott Rich, Robert Vines, Carol Harris-Stirnes and David Vines, her four great-grandchildren Rebecca Vines, Tyler Harris, Michael Vines and Cody Harris, and her step-great-grandson Spec. Corey Stirnes. She was preceded in death by her siblings Mae Hart, Ruby Lane, Ellen Barbee and Clarence Adkins. She is loved and will be missed by scores of family members and friends. She enjoyed a good life. A viewing and celebration of her life will be held at Greenwood/Memory Lawn Mortuary, 719 N. 27th Avenue, Phoenix, Arizona on Monday, June 14th, with visitation at 9 A.M., Service at 10 A.M., a graveside service to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family is suggesting donations to Hospice of the Valley, 2121 East Highland Avenue #100, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016-4740. Please visit Greenwoodmemorylawn.com for additional information.