Mary Gwendolyn "Gwen" Adams

Mary Gwendolyn "Gwen" Adams, 80, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 23, 2024, due to heart complications. She was surrounded by love in her final days, having fulfilled her wish to see each of her beloved grandchildren one last time.
Born on October 1, 1944, in Shelbyville, TN, to Reverend Thomas Hilary Yeargan and Mary Elizabeth Threet. Gwen graduated from Clarksville High School in 1962. She pursued her BS degree at multiple institutions, beginning at UT Martin and MTSU before completing her studies at San Diego State University.
Her love story with Ben Pat Adams began in high school, though their path to marriage took an unexpected detour when Gwen "dumped him" in college - a fact Pat would jovially remind everyone of throughout their marriage. After each marrying others - during which Gwen had two daughters, Kerri and Andrea, and Pat had two sons, Mat and Bryan - they reconnected through Pat's enduring friendship with Gwen's parents. Upon learning of Gwen's divorce, Pat immediately flew to California to reunite with her. They married in August 1982, beginning a beautiful 42-year journey together.
Their life was marked by adventure and service, following Pat's military career from Florida to Hawaii, where Pat served as Provost Marshal of Schofield Barracks - where Kerri and Andrea kept him on his toes by testing his limits on a daily basis, much to everyone's amusement. The family later moved to Fort Meade, Maryland. After Pat's military service, they settled in Nashville, where they became accomplished house flippers. Their historic East Edgefield home on Fatherland Street became the beloved gathering place for their growing family, creating countless memories for their grandchildren.
In their later years, Gwen and Pat found joy in the Stoners Glen community in Hermitage, where they embraced a simpler life filled with farming, community activities, and fellowship. They were active members of Christ Church, where Gwen sang in the prestigious choir for over 30 years. Their Kindred Spirits Sunday School group provided deep, lasting friendships spanning three decades.
Gwen's greatest joy was her role as grandmother to over a dozen grandchildren. She made it her mission to support each grandchild's unique interests and passions, from sports to cooking, always weaving in her deep faith in Jesus. Together with Pat, she was deeply committed to Mercy Ministries, annually sponsoring young women in need and providing both financial and emotional support.
A woman of profound faith and compassion, Gwen's gift was making everyone she met feel truly loved, special, and seen. As one grandson beautifully expressed after her passing, "Angels belong in heaven."
Gwen was the second oldest of four children. She was preceded in death by her beloved baby sister, Karen Yeargan Simpkins, with whom she has now joyfully reunited in heaven. She is survived by her siblings, Thomas Yeargan (wife Janice) and Rebecca Yeargan Schumann (husband Gert, deceased).
She leaves behind her devoted husband, Ben Pat Adams; daughters, Kerri (husband Randall) and Andrea (husband Dave); stepsons, Mat (wife Garlan) and Bryan (wife Becky); and her fourteen cherished grandchildren: Jack, Gracie, Aidan, Ava, Gavin, Nolan, Gwen, Caroline, Emily, Carson, Nathan, Duncan, Haley, and Tanner. Each grandchild held a special place in her heart, and she took immense pride in supporting their individual journeys and achievements.
Funeral services will be conducted by Pastor Ken Abraham on Thursday, October 31, 2024, at 12 Noon (visitation 10:00 a.m. – 12 noon) at Christ Church Wallace Chapel, 15354 Old Hickory Blvd. Interment Christ Church Memorial Gardens. Family and friends will serve as Pallbearers.