April Heather Adkins

April Heather Adkins, age 62, of Clarkesville, passed away at home with her beloved husband and son by her side, Tuesday, July 26, 2022 on her birthday. Survivors include husband, Hoai-Nam Truong; son, Dylan M. Truong; mother, Diane Perdue; father & stepmom, Tom & Mary Pat Gowdy; sister, Elizabeth Heather Gowdy; half-sister, Maryce Gowdy Osborn; half-brother, Errin Gowdy; stepbrother, David Nardin; and nieces, Savannah Blair Shirley, Samantha Mae Gowdy, Serena Diane Gowdy & Maryssa Osborn. Predeceased: brother, Mathew Thomas Gowdy. April was born in Bowling Green, Ohio. It was a quick stop. Her dad was a pilot in the Air Force; she was a traveling baby. From the moment she was born she was an explorer, adventurous & a creator. April was the heroine in her life. She embraced her individualism & uniqueness. She laughed loudly and others followed. She loved writing and reading books. Other lifelong passions of hers were finding treasures at thrift stores and antique shops. She loved clothes, bright patterns & jewelry; hence, she took jewelry making classes. She took stained glass & welding classes too. She loved dancing, listening to music and singing loud. Her taste in music was vast and wide. She really loved the Andy Griffith Show, as well as many genres of film. She was content watching British detective mysteries and historical movies. She excelled at cooking & planned awesome dinner parties. She adored animals, watching birds & feeling wind & rain on her porcelain skin. Sunsets were magical for April. As a child she was always climbing trees. As an adult, gardening & kayaking were her peace. She painted most of her life and was a collector of art from many mediums. April loved experiencing other cultures and exploring newness. She lived in Japan from 3-5 years old. She visited NYC at ten years old, and it was love at first sight. She traveled to Mexico multiple times, the Netherlands and explored America. Although, old Florida was her first love. April also traveled throughout New Zealand for three months in her late twenty’s. She was on her own, but met many new friends and came home with a lifetime of treasures. But her biggest loves were her family & her friends. She loved being a mom. April was a strong force, fearless and focused. She was a loyal and ardent worker throughout her 40-year career. If there was anything April felt could be improved she implemented change. April graduated Clarkston High at sixteen. She continued her education at Georgia Tech and graduated from GSU with a B.S. in Business Administration. At 18 years old, she began her career with Emory Pulmonary Lab (CPFT + RPFT) and then became administrator for Emory Psychiatry after receiving her undergraduate degree. She then worked with Gwinnett Pulmonary Group as their practice administrator, followed by the same position at NGPG Primary Care. Moving forward, she went to work for NEHC Dept. of Excellence as a Data Analyst. April found her place & worked as Health Care Administrator for Gainesville Eye Associates. Important to acknowledge Cash the Maine Coon kitty. April adored his lovable companionship and taking care of him. Donations may be made to the Smithgall Woods Humane Society: P.O. Box 2090 Cleveland, GA 30528. Or, an animal rescue group of your choosing. A celebration for April’s life will be held August, 13th, from 5-10 pm at 7005 Lake Sterling Blvd, Flowery Branch, GA. 30542. Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland.