Evelyn Annette Brooks Adkins

Evelyn Annette Brooks Adkins, lovingly known as Annette, passed away peacefully in her Lake Martin home on June 9, 2025. She was 89 years old. A devoted mother, grandmother, teacher, and friend, Annette left behind a legacy of love, service, and gratitude.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM, Sunday, June 15, 2025 at Daleville Methodist Church, burial will follow at Daleville Memorial Gardens with Rev. Lee Jones and Bro. Frank Moore officiating and Searcy Funeral Home and Crematory directing. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 PM until service time. For those attending, please feel free to wear bright colors in memory of Annette's love of flowers.  Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to First Methodist Church of Daleville Building Fund or Memorial Fund, 44 S Daleville Ave, Daleville, AL 36322-2321.

Born in Andalusia on December 14, 1935 to Grady and Leona Brooks, Annette grew up with her sister, the late Agnes Marie Ritter, and her brother, Bobby Brooks.

Later, she attended Troy State College where she was a majorette in the marching band. After marrying Billy Adkins of Skipperville in 1955, she settled in Daleville, Alabama where she raised four children grounded in faith and family. Annette taught kindergarten in Daleville for 20 years, nurturing generations of children through patience, kindness, and song. She was an avid Auburn fan and attended the 2010 National Championship in Arizona.

She was Daleville Jaycees’ Woman of the Year in 1968 and received a letter from Alabama Governor, Albert P Brewer. Annette was a gifted musician and played both the piano and organ. Her music provided comfort and inspiration to parishioners at Daleville Methodist Church for thirty years. Her passion for flowers and gardening was evident through active involvement in the local Polynesian Sunset Garden Club. Annette also served as past president of the local Pilot Club, where she dedicated her time, service, and leadership to her community. An unapologetic ice cream lover with a contagious smile, Annette loved to laugh, listen to music and was never afraid to dance. In retirement, she found joy through fishing and boating on Lake Martin surrounded by natural beauty and great friends.

Annette was preceded in death by her parents and sister as well as her first husband, Billy Adkins, her second husband James Thomason, and her grandson Ryan Smith.

She is survived by her four children: Terry Lynn Adkins (Vickie), William Michael Adkins (Pam), Sheila Adkins Reynolds, and Sherri Adkins Woodham (Kent). She was a proud grandmother to nine grandchildren—Dee Dee Smith, Billy Adkins (Emily), Willie Adkins (Sonya), Katelyn Adkins (Jeff), Michael Adkins Jr, Roya Adkins, Lauren Steverson (Brandon), and Trey Woodham along with her sixteen cherished great-grandchildren. Along with numerous nieces and nephews.