Patricia Ann Adkisson

Patricia Ann Adkisson, beloved mother, partner, grandmother, and friend, passed away leaving behind a legacy of love, service, and strength. She was 83 years old.

Patricia was born on December 13, 1941, in Conway, Arkansas. She was raised by her devoted grandmother, Mama Emma, who instilled in her the values of independence, grace, and dignity. Patricia attended Conway schools from childhood through high school, where she began shaping the deep compassion and resilience that would guide her throughout life.

In the 1970s, Patricia left Conway for a fresh start in California. She settled first in Los Angeles, where she became a nursing assistant at a hospice for the elderly—bringing comfort, care, and peace to those in their final days. Later, she moved to Oakland, where she met her life partner, Rudolph Carter. Together, they built a life rooted in love and community, and in June 1976, they welcomed their daughter, Alison Renee Adkisson—named after Patricia’s dear friend and role model, Allie Bea Johnson.

Patricia dedicated her life to service. She worked in childcare for many years, supporting families and friends with kindness and generosity. She later became a counselor at Havenscourt Jr. High School and continued her mission of care by serving the unhoused at the East Oakland Community Project and the BACS Henry Robinson Hotel shelter. Her tireless work

After the rain, the gray clouds divide and the sun dries the tears and the storm left behind.

You memory comes like a soft summer breeze. That drifts through the grass between petals and leaves.

The earth blooms again; Flowers lift their bowed heads, though our grief is not gone, we remember instead.

That the love in our hearts will outlast this pain, and that sunshine brings healing after the rain