Lisa Adkins

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the untimely and peaceful passing of Lisa Michelle Adkins, age 63, on Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital shortly after discovering she had colon cancer. She was a vibrant soul known for her passion for photography and unwavering kindness,

Born on Wednesday, September 20, 1961, in Jackson, TN, she was the daughter of Kenneth Ray and Loretta Hay Adkins. A graduate of Bolivar High School, she continued her academic journey to earn a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership with honors from Union University.

Lisa saw the world through a lens of wonder and compassion, embracing life with enthusiasm and a profound, infectious joy that could be felt by everyone she encountered. As the Owner and Founder of Wander with Lisa Photography, she had an extraordinary gift to capture moments that transcended mere images—she told stories that words alone could never express. With her multifaceted talents, she also embraced the roles of The Musical Spooning Lady, Marketing, and Personal Assistant, weaving creativity into every aspect of her endeavors.

Her passion for photography extended beyond her career; she found beauty in every day and made it her mission to spread kindness wherever she went. Her essence was woven from the threads of beauty, laughter, and warmth. She encompassed a free spirit, living life unapologetically and cherishing each day as a precious gift. Known for her infectious smile and unwavering ability to make others feel seen and valued, Lisa had the remarkable talent of brightening even the darkest days. Strangers became friends, and friends swiftly became family, and no one left a conversation with her unchanged by her presence. Her love and kindness knew no bounds, and her heart could stretch wide enough to hold the world.

Lisa’s life journey was infused with a relentless passion to uplift others. Her accolades—such as the 2017 Environmental Stewardship Award and the 2019 DAR Outstanding Print Media Award—reflect her commitment to making a difference within the community. Lisa selflessly donated many photography jobs, and her heart extended even further as she volunteered with CASA, advocating for those in need. She attended Christ Community Church.

Driven by a deep love for life, Lisa engaged fully in life and embraced each day with open arms, celebrating her many hobbies and interests—whether traveling, fishing, appreciating hummingbirds, playing the spoons, listening to music and her collection of vinyl records, or enjoying the beach. Her compassionate nature was always accompanied by her life mantra: "Please be KIND because you never know what people are going through."

Lisa is preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Ray and Loretta Hay Adkins, and her special friend, Cherie Hale Parker.

She is survived by her daughters, Carey Ellen Pettigrew Goss (Tommy) and Kimberly Pettigrew Mullican (Clint), as well as a brother, Kenny Adkins (Melissa), and her nieces, Kendall Adkins and Regan Adkins. The joy of her grandchildren, David and Margaret Goss, and Levon and Mae Mullican who affectionally called her “No-No,” will forever echo the warmth she imparted. Prior to their visits, Lisa spent days preparing many fun activities to do while they were together. She also leaves her enduring beloved fur baby Pepper, her companion who will miss her deeply.

SERVICE: A visitation for friends and family to remember, share unforgettable memories, and celebrate the profound impact Lisa had on their life will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel at Arrington Funeral Directors with her Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. The service will be webcast on the Arrington Funeral Directors website.

Honorary pallbearers are Harold Jarvis, Scotty Wolfe, Kelvin Holly, Zach Moonshine, Clay Mize, David Clagg, Chuck Causey, Jeff Rousch, Chuck Humphrey, Roy Watson, Jared Dulaney, and Dave Frost.

In lieu of flowers, Lisa requested that memorial donations be directed to Madison County CASA, 110 Irby Street, Jackson, TN 38301 or online https://www.casawesttn.org/ or to RIFA, 2301 Airways Blvd, Jackson, TN 38301 or online www.rifajackson.com.

Lisa devoted herself to making a difference in the world, embodying the principle that small acts of kindness can create profound changes. As we remember and honor her, may her life inspire us all to be kinder, to cherish each moment, and to create a world filled with love and empathy, just as she did so beautifully in her own life. The world now feels a little quieter without her, but warmer having been touched by her spirit. If you had the honor and privilege of knowing Lisa Adkins, you are truly blessed.

 Please BE KIND because you never know what people are going through. Love, Lisa

Arrington Funeral Directors 148 W. University Parkway Jackson, TN 38305

731-668-1111 arringtonfuneraldirectors.com

WEBCASTING: https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTc1MjI1MjcyNDM3MTA2NSZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw==