Margaret A. Bias Adkins

July 4, 1924 - March 20, 2012

MARGARET ALICE BIAS ADKINS, 87, of South Point, Ohio went peacefully to be with the Lord on Tuesday, March 20th. She passed away at home with her family by her bedside. Margaret will be greeted in Heaven by her late husband Kimball Barbour Adkins, whom she married in 1959. Margaret’s progeny includes a son, Barry Michael Adkins Sr, his wife Tanna Lynne Adkins, 3 grandchildren, Heather Dawn Adkins, Barry M. Adkins Jr, and Aaron C. Adkins Sr, all of South Point. She also has 3 great grandchildren, Aaron Adkins Jr aka Little Man, of South Point, and Barry Adkins III and Parker Reid Adkins, both of Ashland, Kentucky. Her grandchildren would like to say that they will always remember her fondly and that it will be and honor to carry on her legacy.
Margaret was born July 4, 1924, to the late Burl and Gracie Bias. She had two brothers, the late Norman Bias, an employee of Cole Insurance, and the late West Virginia State Delegate Tennyson J. Bias, both from Huntington. Margaret graduated from Marshall College. Her brother Tennyson later went on to help Marshall College be accredited with University status during his tenure as State Delegate.
Margaret became a school teacher and taught faithfully for 35 years, teaching the subjects of Typing, Business, and Short Hand. She began her career at Fort Gay, Vinson, and Milton and finished her career at the former Huntington East High School. Margaret remained a faithful Huntington East Highlander and was also a very proud Marshall alumnus. She was pleased when her granddaughter also graduated from Marshall with a degree in English Literature. Her granddaughter is honored to follow in Margaret’s footsteps.
After retiring from teaching, Margaret worked part-time for 5 years as a greeter at the Ashland Wal-Mart. Margaret enjoyed her daily interactions with customers and the job brought her great joy. She was often recognized in the community by former students who had affectionate memories of her. She later went on to become the owner of Tri-State Realty & Rentals, Inc, and part owner of Bridgeview, Inc.
After she retired completely, Margaret remained active in the community and enjoyed an avid social life, regularly participating in games such as bridge, poker, and bingo while also playing fast-paced games of Gin Rummy with her grandchildren which she almost always won. She also enjoyed taking social trips with her friends to the Tri-State Racetrack & Gaming Center in Nitro where she made a hobby of collecting souvenir beads.
In recognizing Margaret’s vivacious personality, joy for life, and elegance during her lifetime, her family respectfully acknowledges her admirable will to live, her grace, and the amazing display of strength she showed during the last months of her life. We would also like to thank her amazing primary caregiver Kelly Dawn Eldred of Chesapeake, Ohio, who gave her compassionate care and was like an angel at her side. The family would also like to acknowledge Diana Petty of Ironton, Ohio, and the entire Hospice of Huntington family, including RN Becky Harless and staff.
The wonderful people at Slack and Wallace Funeral Home, South Point, Ohio are taking care of Margaret’s arrangements. The viewing will be held at the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church at 513 10th Street and 5th Avenue in Huntington of Friday, March 23rd, from 11 AM until 1 PM. The funeral immediately follows the viewing and will begin at 1 PM. Burial will be at Highlawn Memorial Gardens in South Point. The pallbearers will be: Aaron Adkins Sr, Donnie Adkins, Jerry Adkins, Jim Adkins, Keith Bazell, Fred Craft Jr, Joe McKenzie, Mark Priode, and Kevin Waldo.