Joyce Adams
Joyce Adams, 95 of Sullivan, MO passed away peacefully on May 8, 2023, with her family by her side.
Joyce was born on September 12, 1927, to the late Paul Isaiah Wall and Harriet Eva (Wayne) Wall, and
was one of seven siblings. She graduated from St. Clair High School in 1945 and began her working life at
International Shoe Company. Joyce married Gordon Adams, on June 26, 1949, at St. Clair Methodist
Church, and together, they raised four children, Gordon, Eric, Barbara and Jill.
She later worked at Sullivan Elementary School in the cafeteria, touching the lives of many children.
Joyce also spent many years as an in-home caregiver for her husband and several others.
Joyce was passionate about her faith and very involved in the church community. She was an active
member of Grace United Methodist Church and United Methodist Women. Her interests included
reading, especially the Bible, and she was a skilled seamstress.
A family-oriented person, Joyce cherished her beloved grandchildren, creating lasting bonds and
memories. Those who knew her would describe her as faith-filled, loving, kind, and generous woman.
Qualities that made her a beloved figure in the lives of her loved ones.
Joyce's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the love she held for her family and friends. She
will be greatly missed and always remembered as a guiding light in the lives of those she touched. As we
celebrate her life, we honor the lasting impact she made on all who knew her and take comfort in
knowing that her love and legacy will live on through the generations to come.
Joyce is survived by her four children: Gordon Adams and wife April of Ramona, California; Eric Adams of
New Haven, MO; Barbara Jones of Sullivan, MO; and Jill Illy and husband Jim of St. Charles, MO. She is
also survived by two brothers: David Wall of Andover, KS and James Wall of St. Clair, MO; one sister,
Betty Gilson of Aliquippa, PA; and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
She leaves behind a loving legacy with her seven grandchildren: Elizabeth Strike and husband Jeff; Lucas
Adams; Brett Adams; Amanda Adams; Kristin Center and husband, Justin; Janean Sieckmann and
husband, Mike; and Julianne Ruckman and husband, Jeff. Joyce also had eight great-grandchildren: Olive
Strike, Lila Strike, Trevin Center, Nolan Center, Charlie Wilmering, Laila Wilmering, Nora Ruckman, and
Lucy Ruckman.
Joyce was preceded in death by her husband Gordon, parents, Paul and Harriet (Wayne) Wall; one
brother, Richard Wall; and two sisters, Mary Buxton and June Gephardt.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, May 12, 2023, at Grace United Methodist
Church in Sullivan with Pastor Brenda Stobbe officiating. Interment will follow in I.O.O.F. Cemetery,
Sullivan, MO.
Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, Friday, May 12, 2023, at Grace United Methodist Church in
Sullivan, MO.
Friends may send online condolences to the Adams family at www.eatonfuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to Grace United Methodist Church of Sullivan.
All arrangements were under the care of the Eaton Funeral Home in Sullivan, MO.