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Mrs. Wilma Adams, 87, of Woodbury died on October 4, 2013 . She was born in Cannon County, TN on July 9, 1926. Her parents were the late Lytton Francis and Gertrude Hill Francis. Also preceding her in death are, step-mother, Clistie Travis Francis; husband, Frank Adams; and brothers, James Francis and Bob Francis, special cousins, Frank Dillon, Stanton Tenpenny, June Dillon Muszynski and Rachel Dillon Haley.
She is survived by her sisters, Gladys Hayes of Woodbury, Drunell Higgins of Woodbury and Dean (Don) Barker of Readyville; sisters-in-law, Ruth Adams Holland and Melena Adams (Enloe) Ose both of California, Agnes Adams (Audie) Adkinson of Florida; special cousins, Christine Dillon of Woodbury, Martha Dillon (Charles) Brandon of Nashville, Elizabeth Dillon (Dale) Rowe of Florida and John (Nancy) Dillon of Nashville; also, by several nieces, nephews and numerous cousins and friends.
Wilma grew up in Woodbury. Her mother died at an early age and she took on the role of mother for her siblings. She was affectionately called the "Little Red Hen". She graduated from Central High School in the Class of 1944. She went on to be a member of the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corp. Through the corp she became a Registered Nurse at the St. Thomas School of Nursing. In 1948 she returned to Cannon County and married Frank Adams the following year. Working for many years at Good Samaritian Hospital and later in her father-in-law's, Dr. J. F. Adams', office.
She and Frank operated a dairy and door to door milk delivery business. They also owned and operated a hardware store in Woodbury. She was a devoted member of the Woodbury Church of Christ since 1950. After her husband's death in 1976 she devoted as much time as she could to her family. She was babysitter, caretaker, mentor and was there for anything they needed or wanted. The younger family members loving named her "Dada".
Wilma became involved in many different charities through her life. Volunteering at Stones River Hospital for many years. She was a Charter Member and Lifetime Board member for the Arts Center of Cannon County. Also, Library Board Member for the Adams Memorial Library and Charter Member of the Cannon County Historical Society. She performed in numerous plays at the Arts Center and helped to organize and direct others. Wilma was known by many to have a good sense of humor and to tell it like it was.
Visitation will be held at the Arts Center of Cannon County on Sunday, October 6, 2013 from 2-8 PM. Visitation will be held at the Woodbury Church of Christ on Monday, October 7, 2013 from 1-2 PM funeral services to follow at the church. Herb Alsup and Daniel Hayes will officiate. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the Arts Center of Cannnon County, Adams Memorial Library or Woodbury Church of Christ. Contact Smith Funeral Home for details. (615)563-5337. Smith Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net
