Lena Epps Adams

MARSHALL - Funeral services for Lena Epps Adams will be 1 p.m., Saturday, April 24, 2010, at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Longview, Texas under the direction of Peoples Funeral Home, Marshall, Texas. Interment will be in Jordan Valley Cemetery, Longview, Texas. Viewing on Friday, April 23, 2010, will be at Stanmore Funeral Home, Longview, Texas, from 2 p.m. with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. "Ivy Beyond The Wall" ceremony at 6 p.m. followed by family hour from 6:30-8 p.m. 

Lena Epps Adams was born in Linden, Texas, on October 22, 1926, to the late Silas and Lena Hurst Epps. At age 4, she was legally adopted by the late Mr. and Mrs. John and Zuma Flournoy, her maternal aunt, at which time Lena relocated to Longview, Texas, where she maintained her residence for the duration of her life. She passed away April 16, 2010, in Tyler. Lena was united in holy matrimony to the late George M. Adams for 48 years, from December 19, 1948, until his death on May 28, 1997. To their union, two children were born, Gregory Adams of Longview, Texas, and Kaye Adams of Dallas, Texas. Lena also has one grandchild, Monica Kay Adams-Buckholt of Dallas, Texas. 

Lena received Christ in her life at an early age beginning at Jerusalem Baptist Church of Longview, Texas, and later at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church where she faithfully performed a number of duties, including serving as Deaconess Board Chairperson, Vice President of the Woman's Missionary Union, Superintendent of Sunday School, Building Fund Secretary, Sunday School Teacher, Baptist Training Union Directress, Baptist Training Union Workshop Instructor and a Member of the Senior Choir. In 1998, shortly after the passing of her husband, she became affiliated with Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. During this membership, she was featured in the Bethel Newsletter, "The Vision" under the pastorate of the Rev. T. Ray McJunkins.

 Mrs. Lena Adams committed herself to the pursuit of education. She obtained her elementary and secondary education in the Longview Independent School District. She graduated from Longview Colored High School, which later became Mary C. Womack High School. She went on to receive her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Prairie View A & M University, majoring in Home Economics and Special Education, respectively. Throughout her career, she continued advanced studies at various colleges and universities, including Stephen F. Austin University in Nacogdoches, Texas; Southern Methodist University (SMU) in Dallas, Texas; East Texas State University in Commerce, Texas; and the University of Saint Mary in San Antonio, Texas.  

Some of her earlier years of teaching were in the Marion County, Cass County and Longview Independent School Districts. The vast majority of her 33-year teaching career was in the Pine Tree Independent School District, where she was still employed until her retirement in 1984.  

Lena chose the teaching profession because she loved children and was an inspiration to countless young minds. She used all the resources of her intellect and all of her compassion to better serve her fellowman. As a result, Mrs. Adams received numerous professional awards including Most Outstanding Elementary Teacher in the Pine Tree Independent School District. She was a life member of the Parent-Teacher Association presented for outstanding contributions and service to the community and children; and she is featured in the East Texas Black Educator Hall of Fame. Other professional affiliations include her membership with the National Education Association, the Texas State Teachers Association, the Retired Teachers Association, the Teacher Alliance Federal Credit Union, the Board of Women's Commission and the Board of Mental Health. 

Lena was also a very active participant in numerous community, social, civic and political affiliations and volunteer services. In addition to participating in the NAACP Silent March in Washington, D.C. in 1989, she was also an NAACP Life Member. She was a 4-H Club Leader and a frequent speaker at local churches. She was very involved with the RIF (Reading is Fundamental) Programs, Politics In Action, the local Democratic Party, Heritage of Jericho Lodge,  Health Fairs, the Neighborhood Crime Watch, and worked with various other civic and political campaigns. She has also been a loyal and dedicated member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. for approximately 60 years. During this time, she remained active with the Epsilon Zeta Omega Chapter of Longview, Texas, where she successfully served as leader of the Debutante Committee, Program Chairperson and various other auxiliary committees. 

Lena tried to be a friend to everyone regardless of age, education or social status. She was truly a people person and was as benevolent as one could be--  always opening her heart to help others. During her lifetime, she traveled extensively throughout the USA and the world. Her most rewarding travel was her trip to the Holy Lands in Israel. She constantly gave her time, money, love, encouragement, and prayers to anyone in need. But her greatest passionate pastime was spent in the kitchen cooking. A typical day for Lena always included cooking and sending food to the sick, shut-in, bereaved, elderly, and underprivileged. Lena's teaching career began in a Veteran's School where she taught cooking to World War II Veterans, many of whom went on to gain employment in some of the most outstanding restaurants throughout the USA. The numerous honors, awards, and affiliations are a testament to her hard work and dedication; but they do not begin to define the core of Mrs. Lena Epps Adams. Born into a family of 14 children, her heart truly belonged to her family. In addition to being a teacher, leader, mentor, motivator and friend, Lena was also a wonderful mother, wife, grandmother, aunt and sister. She adored her 2 children, her husband and her parents and they all loved her more than life itself.  Lena Adams lived a life filled with integrity, generosity, compassion, and love for her family and fellowman. She loved life and was always a lady. She was warm, kind, generous and forgiving. Of all the contributions she made in life, her highest concern was that of living a life of a Christian, caring and doing for people. She was totally unselfish and modest - often doing the hard work behind the scenes - never a glutton for the limelight, glory or praise. She had an inner strength that enabled her to strive, to overcome, to achieve and to persevere. Her quick wit and warm smile will be missed by everyone who knew her, but she will always serve as an inspiration and guiding force in the lives of her family and friends. Indeed, she was a fierce Christian soldier who was dedicated to loving and serving God with all of her heart, soul and might. 

Lena Adams was preceded in death by her parents; 12 siblings; and her loving husband of 48 years, George Adams; and is survived by her two children, Gregory Adams of Longview, Texas, and Dr. Kaye Adams of Dallas, Texas. She also leaves one grandchild, Monica Kay Adams-Buckholt (Carl) of Dallas, Texas; two sisters, Luevenia Benton of Longview, Texas, and Maggie Smith of Marshall, Texas; one sister-in-law, Rubye Williams of Marshall, Texas; also a host of nieces, nephews, and other loving relatives and friends.

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