For 90 incredible years, she filled the lives of everyone around her with love, laughter, family, and friendship. She was the kind of person who never met a stranger and could make a joke out of absolutely anything. No matter what was going on, she had a way of making everyone laugh and lightening the mood. She truly was the glue that held our family together.
Growing up, she was tough—but she was always fair. She was earless, full of life, and never backed down from a challenge. If you knew her, you knew there was no out-stubborning her… and her sons learned that lesson the hard way. She loved a good prank,
and if the joke happened to be on her, she’d laugh right along with everyone else. She believed life was meant to be enjoyed.
She was overflowing with wisdom, yet never with judgment. She loved people well, welcomed everyone, and made each person feel like family. She showed her family and friends how to live a life full of joy, grace, and love.
We are heartbroken to say goodbye, but what an incredible blessing it has been to have her as our role model for so many years. Her legacy of strength, kindness, humor, and unwavering faith will live on in all of us.
She was preceded in death by her cherished husband of 64 years, J. Frank Adkins; parents, John and Alice Underwood; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Alice “Mimi” and Jack Burns; brother- and sister-in-law, Wayne and Helen Adkins.
Joanie is survived by her children, J. Scott (Casi) Adkins and Ty Wayne (Beth) Adkins. She was lovingly known as “Nanny” to her six grandchildren, Lauren (Tim) Smith, Hunter (AnnaLee) Adkins, Austin (Madison) Adkins, Garrett (Mollie) Adkins, Jenny (Daniel) Walker,
and Blake Coddington; eight great grandchildren, Elijah, Jude, Addie, Dallas, Barrett, AvaLee, Aspen, Ellie, and future Baby J; several nieces and nephews and many dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, August 1, at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Funeral services for Joanie will follow at 1 pm on Saturday at the North Chapel with her grandson-in-law, Reverend Tim Smith officiating.
Graveside service will be held on Monday, August 3. For those who wish to join the family, meet at 9:45 at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home.
Please share your thoughts and memories at ww.chattanooganorthchapel.com
The arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
