Thelma Kelley Adkins, 87, of Doswell, Virginia, went to be with The Lord on October 19, 2026. Born December 5, 1938, Thelma will be remembered with deep respect for a life marked by steady devotion to family, faith, and community, and for the quiet strength she brought to the everyday work of caring, serving, and showing up for others.
Throughout her life, Thelma worked many jobs, her last job as a painter with June McKenna Collectables, where she painted Santa dolls—work that reflected her patience, diligence, and the pride she took in doing things well. Her commitment to others extended well beyond her work. She was a member of the Women’s Club of Ashland, assisted with the Doswell Ruritan Club, and was very active in her church and community, offering her time and presence in ways that made a lasting difference.
Thelma was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Adkins; her mother, Lilian Violet Kelley; her father, James Edward Kelley; and her brother, Melvin Kelly.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Cheryl Jean Driver (Kevin), Norman “Wes” Arnold (Jennifer), Rodney Arnold (Ivy), and Kelly A Buttner (Jimmy); grandchildren, Jeanette, Trey, Jarrett, Darren, Brandon, Erik, Chase, Kimberly, Noah, and J.W.; 8 beloved great-grandchildren; along with many blended extended family members, nephews, and cousins.
The family will receive friends from 10:30 am to 12:00 pm on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Taylorsville Baptist Church, 15415 Taylorsville Rd, Doswell, VA 23047, where a funeral service will begin at 12:00 pm, followed by a graveside service in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Taylorsville Baptist Church, 15415 Taylorsville Rd, Doswell, VA 23047.
