Amelia "Mikki" Adams

Amelia "Mikki" Franklin Adams, of Louisville, KY, and Cape May, NJ, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, surrounded by her beloved family and friends.

Mikki was born on January 28, 1945, in El Paso, Texas, to Samuel E. Franklin and Deborah Grossman Franklin. The family moved to Buffalo, where Mikki's sister, Barbara "Bobbie," was born. After relocating several times across the Midwest, they eventually settled in Louisville when Mikki was 15.

She graduated from Seneca High School and went on to attend the University of Kentucky, earning her BS in 1966. She later earned her law degree from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law and received her J.D. in 1974. Mikki began her legal career as a Public Defender and later moved into private practice. Throughout her life, she remained committed to pro bono legal work, offering her time and expertise to those most in need-often taking on cases others wouldn't, simply because it was the right thing to do. She retired from law in February 2025, after decades of tireless service.

A fierce advocate for justice, Mikki lived by the Jewish principle of tikkun olam-the belief in "repairing the world" through social action and compassion. Throughout her career, she championed civil liberties, civil rights, women's rights, and reproductive freedom. Mikki was a proud Democrat, a member of the Kentucky Bar Association, and the ACLU of Kentucky. She was also a founding board member of Reproductive Rights for Kentucky, and actively involved in organizations such as Cape May Cottagers and The Temple.

In 1973, Mikki married fellow attorney Wesley Price Adams, Jr. Together they shared 37 years of love, partnership, and purpose-filled with travel, friendship, a bustling household of pets, and a deep devotion to one another. They especially cherished their time at their beloved home in Cape May, New Jersey. Mikki and Wes were avid adventurers, with highlights including trekking to see mountain gorillas in the Congo and orangutans in Borneo. Her final international journey was a special trip to India, shared with her lifelong friend, Carol Raskin.

Mikki's passions extended far beyond the courtroom. She was an avid gardener, a skilled baker, an expert beach bum, a warm entertainer, and a self-declared "professional napper." With her sharp wit and infectious humor, she was, as many would agree, a comedian at heart-and never missed an opportunity to quip, "I used to be hot."

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Wesley Adams; her sister, Barbara "Bobbie" Franklin; her parents, Samuel and Deborah Franklin; and her dear friend, Bonne Betz Loeb.

Mikki leaves behind her devoted daughter, Jennifer Adams Mancuso, and her treasured grandchildren, Noah and Asher Rose Mancuso, who will forever hold their beloved "Bubbe" close in their hearts. She is also survived by her cousin and soul-sister, Joann Grossman (Stuart Morden); their daughter, Emily Morden; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Anthony and Ellen Adams. Her loyal dog and constant companion, Bogart-affectionately known as Bogie-will miss her deeply, as will all who knew and loved her.

In keeping with her generous spirit and love for animals, Mikki's pacemaker will be donated to the Purdue University Veterinary Program to help a dog in need-one final act of compassion from a life devoted to caring for others.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 26 at 1:00 p.m. at the Picasso Room at the Mellwood Art Center, 1860 Mellwood Ave, Louisville, KY 40206, followed by the sharing of stories, memories, and love. Valet parking will be available.

In lieu of flowers, and in honor of Mikki's legacy, memorial contributions may be made to the ACLU of Kentucky, Henry-Trimble County Animal Shelter, Planned Parenthood of Louisville, or The Temple.