Nira Genevia Adkins, 88, of Richmond, MO, died Thursday, November 11, 2021, at Shirkey Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Richmond, MO.

Nira was born on August 30, 1933, in Oklahoma City, OK, the daughter of John and Gladys (Towe) Cunningham.  She was united in marriage to John David “J.D.” Adkins on December 8, 1948; he preceded her in death on January 22, 2018.

Survivors include: daughter, Sandra Kay (Charlie) Bowling of Richmond, MO; two sons: Ronnie David (Kathy) Adkins of Lexington, MO, and Daniel Ray (Kerri) Adkins of Richmond, MO; 8 grandchildren: Tammy (Kevin) Ash, Carey Wood, Jennifer ( Brian) Williams, Brian (Fallon) Adkins, Derek (Taylor) Adkins, Samantha (Blake) Calvert, Jonn (Christin) Adkins, and Jordan (Jessica) Adkins; 18 great-grandchildren: Kyle (Chelsea), Caleb, Carley (Coleton), Tyler, Seven, Indigo, Lorenzo, Hunter, Jase, Levi, Abel, Axton, Silas, Gage, Lexi, Kenna, Jett, and Kace; and 3 great-great-grandchildren: Atley, Brecken, and Remi.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, and three brothers Jack E. Cunningham, Leon R. Cunningham, and infant baby brother.

Nira was reared and educated in Richmond, MO.  She married J.D. in 1948 in Lexington, MO.  She loved to cook and felt she needed to feed everyone.  In early 1980, she worked at Economy Health Mart, until they closed.  While working there, she worked as a greeter, cashier, buyer, and set up displays.  Nira was also a cook with the Richmond School District between the 1970s and 1980s.  She also loved spending time with her family and creating ceramics; she made dolls and other ceramic dolls.  Nira liked going to all her kids and grandkids’ activities.  She was all about her children and grandchildren.  Nira was an active member of the Henrietta First Baptist Church.

The family suggest memorial contributions be made to either the Henrietta First Baptist Church or Shirkey Hospice.   They can be left at mailed to Thurman Funeral Home, 507 East Main Street-P.O. Box 190, Richmond, MO 64085.

Visitation will be held from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M., on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, at Thurman Funeral Home in Richmond, MO.  Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at the funeral home.  Burial will follow services in Richmond Memory Gardens.  Please share your memories of Nira with the family by visiting www.thurmanfuneralhome.com.