Billy Jean Adkins, 68, of rural Franklin, died Friday morning, Jan. 8, 1999, at St. John's North in Springfield.

She was born Sept. 2, 1930, in rural Pisgah, the daughter of William and Zella Cline Witham. She married James A. Adkins on Oct. 31, 1948, in Tupelo, Miss., and he preceded her in death on July 20, 1987.

She is survived by one son, William "Butch" (wife, Vickie) of Springfield; one grandson; two sisters, Ruby Ryan of Springfield and Gertrude Leadill of Franklin. She was preceded in death by one grandson.

Mrs. Adkins graduated from Jacksonville High School in 1948 and attended Illinois College. She had worked at Barton W. Stone Christian Home until February of 1996. She was a member of Pisgah Potluck, Birthday Club, and the Franklin Christian Church.

Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Monday at Williamson Funeral home with burial at Union Baptist Cemetery in Pisgah. The family will meet friends from 4-7 p.m. Sunday. Memorials are suggested to Union Baptist Cemetery or the Shriner's Children's Hospital in St. Louis.