Lela Mae Wilson was born May 5, 1931 in Greene County, Missouri to Vada and John Owen McAdams. She died on Monday, September 2, 2019 at Glendale Gardens Nursing Home in Springfield where she had lived for many years.
She is preceded in death by her sister Margie Straton and her brothers Neil and Bernard McAdams and her daughter Raynette Menzie (Bryan). She is survived by her sister Willa and brother, Jack. Her surviving children are Bruce, Mark (Patrice), and Kent. Lela’s grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her and include Sarah (Mike), Ben, Kelsi, Brandon, Anna (Drew), Becca (Drew), and Jonas (?). Her great grandchildren include Hannah, Noah, Lyla, Ellie, Savanna, Isabelle, Elijah, Vera, Jeremiah, Ezra, Cyrus, and Isaiah. Lela is also survived by many loving nieces, nephews, and friends.
Lela worked for the University of Missouri in St. Louis in food service for several years before returning to Springfield where she and Willa opened their own diner called the Lunch Box. She later worked as a personal caregiver for an elderly gentleman. When she retired, she lived with daughter Ray and her family until she suffered a stroke and required skilled care at Glendale Gardens nursing home. Lela was a devout Baptist and attended the Glendale Baptist Church until her health prevented it.
Lela was devoted to her family and her happiest memories were of being at Grandma’s house for the holidays, surrounded by her children.
Living in a nursing home is always difficult but Lela made the best of it. She never missed Bingo and enjoyed the music and other activities arranged by her beloved Melody and Tim. Family members will cherish the lovely greeting cards she decorated and sent for every occasion.
Lela will be remembered by all who love her as caring, creative, determined, faith-filled and strong. Messages of condolence may be made at greenlawnfuneralhome.com.
Special thanks to the kind and caring team at Regional Hospice who worked hard to keep Lela comfortable as she made her way home.