Leila Adams

Leila Adams, a beloved matriarch, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at her home surrounded by her family. Born to the late Burley and Maggie Pennington Williams on November 30, 1931, in Viper, Kentucky, she lived a full and rich life, marked by her deep devotion to her family and her unwavering faith.

Leila was a dedicated homemaker who embraced her role with love and compassion. She was a proud wife to her late husband Ralph Adams, with whom she shared many joyful moments throughout their life together. They were united in marriage on August 20, 1949.  As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she provided a nurturing environment for her children, fostering the values of kindness and generosity. Her legacy continues through her two sons, Burley Adams (Cherrie) of Manchester, KY and Doug Adams (Wanda) of Wooton, KY, as well as her three daughters, Virginia Pennington of Smilax, KY, Sandra Melton (Donnie) of Smilax, KY, and Magdalene Sale (Chris) of Hazard, KY. She is also survived by her sister, Leetha Pace of Somerset, KY, and eighteen grandchildren, each of whom carries the warmth of her spirit: Brittany Adams, Neal Adams, Jennifer Dyer, Kristie Dixon, Jessica Pennington, Russell Melton, Kathy Hubbard, Eddie Melton, Tommy Lee Pace, Angela Bowling, Kenny Pace, Brian Adams, Jason Adams, Ashley Bowling, Jessica Hoskins, Heather Wells, Josh Sale, and Chrisie Durham, along with a host of great-grandchildren.

Leila's nurturing spirit extended beyond her family. She was known for her kind and caring nature, always willing to lend a helping hand or a listening ear. Her love for gardening, shared with Ralph, blossomed into a passion for canning her harvests. Additionally, Leila was an accomplished quilter, creating numerous beautiful quilts that will be treasured by her family for generations.

A devout Christian, Leila was a lifelong member of the Smilax Church of Christ at Polls Creek, where she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at the age of 17. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, guiding her actions and shaping her values.

Leila is preceded in death by her loving husband Ralph, her grandson Ryan Adams, great-granddaughter Emma Caroline Pace, sons-in-law Tommy Pace and Jesse Pennington, daughters-in-law Nona Adams and Barbara Adams, as well as four brothers and one sister.

Friends and family may gather for visitation on Saturday evening, February 1, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Wolfe and Sons Funeral Home.

 The funeral service will be held Sunday, February 2, 2025, at 2:00 PM at the chapel of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home with Danny Day, Harold Turner, and Paul Baker officiating.

Interment will follow the service at the Adams Family Cemetery at Smilax, KY where she will be laid to rest beside of her husband, Ralph.  The grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  

Arrangements are being handled carefully under the direction of Wolfe & Sons Funeral Home.