Patricia Ann Adkins, cherished wife, devoted mother, beloved grandmother, and dear friend, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the age of 77. Born on February 24, 1949, in Salisbury, MD, Patricia was a daughter of the late Wilbur C. Austin and Emma Marie (Shockley) Austin.

She pursued her faith journey early in life at the Salisbury Church of God, where she began her marriage to her loving husband, Philip Adkins, Sr. More recently, she attended Cross Pointe Church of the Nazarene, where she found support and fellowship.

Patricia dedicated her life to her family, proudly serving as a homemaker and daycare provider for her beloved grandchildren. Her nurturing spirit and unwavering love created bonds that each grandchild will carry with them throughout their lives. She also worked for several years as a school bus assistant and in retail, spending time at McCrory’s, Ames, and her ultimate favorite, Boscovs, (her favorite place to shop), but her true passion remained in her role as a caregiver within her family.

A woman with a childlike heart, Patricia reveled in the joy of life, embracing activities that brought out the fun in everyone - whether it was dressing in costumes or capturing moments with Sherman the Shorebird and other beloved characters. Disney characters were also a favorite. She cherished family vacations to amusement parks where she sought thrills on roller coasters, and especially loved visiting Lancaster, and immersed herself in the beauty of Amish traditions. Word search puzzles and playing UNO with family were some of her favorite past times in her later years when not able to get out as much.

Holidays held a special place in her heart, particularly Christmas, where family gatherings filled her home with laughter and joy. She was famous for her culinary skills, especially her delightful potato salad, macaroni salad, sweet potato and pumpkin pies, and homemade dressing, which will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Patricia was a proud collector of angels and gnomes, symbols of her nurturing and whimsical spirit. Her legacy of love will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

Patricia is survived by her devoted husband of almost 59 years, Philip R. Adkins, Sr.; her children, Philip R. Adkins, Jr. and companion, Brandy Smith, Dianna Lynn Cockey and husband, Richard and Patrick Adkins and wife, Rene; her grandchildren, Kayla Wright Kincaid (Scott), Richard "CJ" Cockey (Aubrey), Paige McCarthy (Aaron), Lauren Kate Cockey, Austin Philip Adkins, Megan Melissa Adkins, and Tori Patricia Adkins; great grandchildren, Adilynn, Layton, Maverick, Olivia and Carter; her brother, Albert Austin and wife, Priscilla; her sister, Bonnie Patterson; and brother-in-law Vaughn Cranfield. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by grandchildren, Elizabeth M. Cockey and Brianna Ashleigh Wright; sisters, Shirley Cranfield and Delores Williams and husband, Tim.

A celebration of Patricia's life will take place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at Short Funeral Home. Visitation will begin at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Springhill Memory Gardens in Hebron.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in her memory to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802.

As we honor and celebrate Patricia Ann Adkins, we remember her unwavering love, kindness, and the joyful spirit that brightened the lives of everyone she encountered. She will be lovingly remembered and missed deeply by all.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.