Joyce Lee "JJ Lady J" Adams

A time to rest… Having served her life’s purpose on June 13th, 2023, God granted Joyce eternal rest. Joyce peacefully transitioned into glory in the comfort of her home with her family at her side. A time to be born… A time to remember Lady J… On March 28, 1941, Joyce Lee Adams Also known as “JJ Lady J” was born in Nuttalburg, West Virginia. She was educated in the Leckrone Pennsylvania school system. Lady J was a strong, resilient, and wonderful mother who was a courageous diva! JJ Lady J was a loving, caring, kind, compassionate woman. Lady J was the type to give the clothes off her back to the people who was in need. She was a strong believer in no one should go hungry or homeless. Lady J was a very outgoing woman who was also very independent and had a HEART OF GOLD. Joyce was a superwoman when it came to being a mother and grandmother. Lady J was a very dedicated foster mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, and friend. When you think of beauty it’s Joyce Adams! She was generous, prayerful, and you only experience pure joy in her presence. A time to serve… Joyce was employed at Joseph & Feiss for a number of years, where she got to express her love for fashion and sewing. Joyce was recently honored by Mayor Robert Palmieri, of the city of Utica for her dedication to fostering over 100 children within the community. Many of those children still look to Joyce as being a wonderful foster parent and caretaker. Joyce also was a dedicated member of her church, Friendship Missionary Baptist church. In 1997, Joyce joined the ELK’S and became the Assistant daughter ruler, of the Harriett Tubman Temple chapter 421. A time to play… Joyce enjoyed spending her free time fishing, cooking, dancing, and spending time with family and friends. Joyce loved caring for and nurturing children. Lady J enjoyed playing 4 card poker, pity pat, and a little bit of spades. When sitting down with Lady J, you will have guaranteed laughter, smiles, and plenty of jokes. Joyce impacted so many people over the years. Everyone she encountered she shared a special bond with, from children to adults. To have an encounter with Joyce was to experience unconditional love. A time to love… Joyce has impacted so many children throughout the years and kept in contact with many of them until her transition. Joyce had an open-door policy, if you came in hungry, she’d ensure you left full. Joyce was a pillar in the community and the matriarch to of our family. A time to mourn… Joyce leaves to mourn her children and their loves, Rose “Rita” (Jeff) Shealey, Sandra Linen, Ronald Adams, Gary “Bernie” Linen, Rebecca (Arlene) Hernandez, James L. Adams, Jr. (Jennifer), Traycee “Porgey” Adams, Jahmilia Joyce Adams, Carolyn “Aurgie” Adams, Joetta Adams, and Aurora “Buggy” Adams. Joyce also leaves her sister, Marva Adams, special brother-in-law Alonzo Gadsden, and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and cousins. Joyce was predeceased by her parents, Rev. Ivory Adams, Sr., and Dorothy Jones; her brother and sister Ivory Adams and Carolyn Gadsden; children, John Linen, Jr., Katrina Adams, Mary Linen, and James Adams, Sr.; daughter-in-law, Betsy Linen; grandson, Odum Shealey, Jr.; and great nephews, Edward Patterson, and Vernon Patterson. Visitation will be held on Monday, June 19, 2023 from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at Friendship Baptist Church, 1004 Albany St., Utica. Joyce’s Home Going Service and Celebration of Life will commence immediately following. Overflow parking is available in the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc.’s parking lot at the Hammond Avenue entrance. For those unable to attend, you may be present virtually at https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89631527720. A time of gratitude… Special thanks to Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. for the level of skilled care provided to Joyce. Heartfelt appreciation is also extended to those family members who dedicated and sacrificed to allow Joyce to be at home through her illness, as peaceful and comfortable as possible. Special friend Lucille Beaton.

Joyce Lee "JJ Lady J" Adams

March 28, 1941 - June 13, 2023