Barbara Ann Adams

With grace and peace, Barbara A. Adams transitioned to be with the Lord at home on July 9, 2025, at the age of 87. Born on February 10, 1938, in Massillon, Ohio, Barbara lived a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others.

After marrying her high school sweetheart, William C. “Willie” Pierce, in 1957, Barbara devoted herself to building a home grounded in love, wisdom, and resilience. Later in life, driven by a passion for growth and giving back, she pursued higher education and earned two master’s degrees — a Master of Social Work from Wayne State University in 1992, and a Master of Education from Cleveland State University in 1999.

Barbara was a proud member of the Chi Sigma Upsilon chapter of Chi Sigma Iota, the international counseling honor society, as well as S.C.I.A., reflecting her lifelong commitment to education, community leadership, and service. She earned numerous certificates and awards throughout her career, always guided by her unwavering belief in helping others rise.

Barbara’s life was a living testament to grace in action. She found joy in her church, her community, and especially in her garden, where lilacs, roses, and lilies bloomed as beautifully as the wisdom she cultivated in the hearts of those around her. Her home was a haven — filled with warmth, quiet strength, and a timeless peace.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willie Pierce; her parents, Nellie Madison and Wesley Adams; her children, John Pierce and Ida Bolls; her sister, Beverly Canty; and her in-laws, Joseph and Ida Pierce.

Left to honor her memory are her devoted daughters, Sherry L. Jackson and Mary Pierce, sister Betty Jean McKinney, along with a loving tribe of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends and neighbors, all of whom carry forward her legacy of compassion, courage, and faith.

A special thanks is extended to Heartland Hospice for their exceptional care, tenderness, and support during Barbara’s transition. Your compassion helped uphold the dignity and peace she so deeply deserved.

Barbara Adams lived a life of purpose, principle, and peace — and those who knew her will forever be better because of her.

Family and friends are invited to visit at Paquelet & Arnold-Lynch Funeral Home, 1100 Wales Rd. NE Massillon, OH 44646 on Saturday, August 2nd from 10:00 a.m. until the memorial service that begins at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment to follow the service at Massillon Cemetery, where Barbara will be laid to rest with her daughter, Ida Bolls. To share a memory of Barbara or leave a special message for her family, visit the guest book below.

To view the service virtually at the scheduled service time, please click here.