It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Sharon Rose (Sargent) Adkins, 72, of Owensboro, Kentucky. She passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7th, 2026, after a very long and hard battle with cancer, with her oldest daughter by her side. She was born on February 27th, 1954, in Harlan County, Kentucky to Rufus and Edith (Holland) Sargent.
Sharon lived life for her four beloved children and her large and extended family. She was a dedicated mother first and foremost, always stating that her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were the light of her life. She lived her life trying to ensure that we were all happy, healthy and loved. Some of her passions in this life were cooking delicious meals for her family and friends, keeping an immaculate house, gardening, fishing, reading, playing video games, singing and playing the guitar. She was known for her unwavering kindness, infectious laughter, and fierce loyalty to those she loved. She was a momma bear and tried to protect her children from everything she could. She had a way with words and would always find the right things to say to comfort anyone in need.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 28 years, Richard ( Kerry ) Adkins; a special partner, Rodger Brown; parents, Rufus and Edith ( Holland ) Sargent; beloved oldest son, Paul Barton Jr.; oldest sister, Scarlett Sargent; brothers Fred (Linda) Sargent, Terry (Joyce) Sargent; and sister-in-law, Aiko (Linda) Hasimoto Sargent.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and will be deeply missed by her children, Sherry Barton, Charles Barton and Rhoda( Barton) Davidson; grandchildren, Brittany (Eric) Gillingham, Ryan Willis (Lillie Richardson), Seth Barton (Amelia), Alison McIntyre (Kerry) Harli (Nick) Case, Leighangel Cotton (Jonathan Coy), James ( Emily) Davidson, and Gregory Davidson; great grandchildren, Sawyer, Kendell and Archer Willis, Jazlyn Barton, Mason and Ryker McDaniel, Roman Gillingham, and James Davidson Jr.; brothers Jerry, Gary and Roger Sargent; sister, Shelia Gilbert and honorary sister, Dennise (Diesel) Harrison; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews, cousins and a wide circle of friends.
Care entrusted to Cardinal Cremation Society.