Karen (Whaley) Adkins

Karen (Whaley) Adkins, a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, educator and beloved member of her community, peacefully passed away on September 29, 2025, at Hospice of Dayton. Born on February 10, 1942, in Oak Hill, Ohio. Karen devoted her life to teaching and nurturing young minds, spending 30 years as a math teacher at Central Junior High, Baker High School, and Fairborn High School. Her commitment to education was marked by her relentless passion for instilling the knowledge of mathematics in her students and fostering a positive and encouraging learning environment. She held a master's degree in education, equipping her with the knowledge and skills that enhanced her teaching career. Karen was beloved by many of her students and colleagues.

Karen was not only a respected educator but also an engaged member of her community, participating actively as a member of the Clark County Master Gardeners. She had a profound appreciation for nature, which was evident in her love of flowers and gardening. Her green thumb and eye for beautiful flowers made her unique in many ways. The colors of the beautiful flowers in her many gardens shined bright, just as she did in many of the lives around her. Karen was always an avid baker making special cakes and dishes for any function. Additionally to baking and gardening Karen loved shopping, traveling and was an avid member of a women's golfing league for many years. Karen's favorite hobby was spending quality time with those around her– her friends and family .

In her personal life, Karen was cherished by her loving husband, James "Butch" Adkins. She is survived by two daughters, Suzanne Whaley and Tina (Brian) Poulter, and son-in -law-; Jerry Webb; eight grandchildren, Jonathan, Zachary (Erica), Lauren (Erik), Alex, Krystal, Jacob, Hannah, and Hailey; three great-grandchildren, Jayden, Crue and Tayleigh, with one on the way; brother, Dave (Annette) Parks; and her two sisters-in-law, Louise Walton and Sandy Fannin and many nieces and nephews.

Karen is preceded in death by her parents, Jonathan and Garnett (Williams) Parks; her daughter, Krissy Webb; sister, Nancy Parks; and brother, Dean Parks.

A memorial gathering and a celebration of life will take place on October 18, 2025, at Belton Stroup Funeral Home located at 422 E. Dayton-Yellow Springs Rd., Fairborn, OH, 45324. The memorial gathering will begin at 11:00 AM, followed by a celebration of life at 1:00 PM, Pastor H. Wesley Barnhill officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton in memory of Karen.