Wilma Jean Adams, age 88, of Springfield, peacefully passed away at her residence on December 14, 2022. Wilma was born in Springfield, Missouri on January 1, 1934, to Rufus and Effie (Manning) Hitchcock. She graduated from Central High School in 1952 and remained a lifelong resident of Springfield. On June 12, 1953, Wilma was united in marriage to Martin Wade Adams. The couple would have shared 67 years of marriage before Martin’s untimely passing on April 16, 2020. Wilma worked for many years on the assembly line at Lilly Tulip. She was also a member of Brown Avenue Baptist Church in Springfield. Her love of the Lord was evident by the example she led. Wilma was blessed with four sons, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild. Her legacy of unconditional love, kindness, trustworthiness, and selflessness will continue to endure in the hearts of those she so tenderly touched.

While Wilma had many hobbies and interests, none were more fulfilling than those she shared with her husband. The couple enjoyed camping, gardening, and repurposing just about anything of interest. They sincerely enjoyed each other’s companionship, sense of humor, and laughter. Wilma’s other pastimes included cooking and baking, crafting, plastering, and ceramics. She also enjoyed listening to country and gospel music and watching Wheel of Fortune. She loved the color purple, especially in the flowers of spring and summer. Wilma derived immeasurable joy from her family. She enjoyed being a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She cherished every moment with her family and took nothing and no one for granted.

Wilma was preceded in death by her parents, Rufus and Effie Hitchcock; husband, Martin Adams; brother, Audra Hitchcock; brother, Rufus Hitchcock; brother, Billy Hitchcock; sister, Dorothy Maggard; sister, Alta Mangus; and sister, Eva Lutz. She is survived by son, Martin Adams and wife Barbara; son, Michael Adams and wife Sheri; son, Craig Adams, and son, Curtis Adams and wife Rhizza; eight grandchildren; one great grandchild; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Wilma will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

A combination visitation/memorial service for Wilma Jean Adams will be held on Thursday, December 22, 2022, from 12:00-1:00 pm., at Greenlawn Funeral Home North in Springfield (3506 N. National Ave.). Wilma will be laid to rest next to her husband at White Chapel Memorial Gardens (5234 W. Division St.) immediately following the visitation/memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Wilma’s memory to Integrity Home Care & Hospice (2960 N. Eastgate Ave., Springfield MO 65803, 417-408-8589).