of Conway, AR
March 24, 1923 - February 8, 2020
Odeal Loveless Adams, of Conway, Arkansas, a most loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, made her homeward journey to heaven on February 8, 2020 at age 96.
Odeal was born on March 24, 1923 in the Springhill Community in Faulkner County to the late Thomas Mason and Laura Lee Sims Loveless. Her grandfather, the Rev. Ebenezer Loveless, was pastor at Needs Creek Missionary Baptist Church at the turn of the century. She met Jesus in the spring of 1937 and was baptized in Greenbrier by Brother W. J. Burgess. While her journey began in the Springhill area, the family later moved to Conway where she attended the ASTC (now UCA) Training School and graduated in the Conway High School Class of 1941. She later attended a business school in Little Rock. On August 15, 1948, she married the love of her life, the late Harvey Adams. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage on the Adams home place on Farris Road. She retired from the Conway Public Schools after many years as a secretary to the principal at Conway Middle School. There she became a second mom to the many students and faculty with her always-present smile and truly amazing unconditional love for everyone she ever met. Odeal had a sweet spirit, and she loved her family-especially her granddaughters. She loved her home, cooking, and talking and laughing with friends and family. She never left anyone without telling them that she loved them. Odeal loved the piano. In the 1930's she took piano lessons from Mrs. B. D. Taylor who had played for the Conway and Grand Theaters which gave her a dramatic, upbeat style. She could play perfectly by ear in the Southern Gospel Piano tradition of the early church singing convention days. Odeal loved the church over her long faithful life. She enjoyed playing the piano for Antioch Baptist Church in the early years, worshiping at First Baptist Church, and later being a longtime member of Central Baptist Church of Conway.
She is survived by her son, John William Adams and wife Stacia, of Conway; two granddaughters, Emily Adams Shumate and husband Corey of Conway and Lizzy Adams Flemons and husband Parker of Conway; great-grandson John Ryan Shumate; special caregiver whom she loved like a daughter, Anita Johnson; and special nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends most of whom have been waiting on her grand arrival. Odeal is preceded in death by her husband, Harvey Adams; sisters, Troy Loveless Tyler, Mildred Loveless Ethridge and Marvelle Loveless Dunn; and brothers, Horace Loveless, Royce Loveless and Hayden Loveless.
A celebration of her life will be held beginning 1 p.m., Thursday, February 13, 2020 at Central Baptist Church in Conway on Dave Ward Drive with Rev. Don Chandler officiating.
A private family burial will precede the service at Crestlawn Memorial Cemetery in Conway.
A family visitation will be held beginning at 12 p.m. prior to the service at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Odeal Loveless Adams Fund c/o Arkansas Community Foundation, PO Box 128, Conway, AR 72033 to help needy students in the Conway Schools or Central Baptist Church.
Sign Guestbook
10 Condolence(s)
Susan & Stanley Woodard
Saturday, February 15, 2020
Johnny, Stacie & Family,
Your sweet mama was a precious treasure and she made a powerful impact for Jesus on this old world. We loved being around her. She made everyone feel special and loved. She was so much fun and always, always, always made us laugh. She enjoyed people and had such practical truth to share. We are so glad to have met her in this journey. No one can ever take her place. You will be in our prayers in the days ahead. Much love to all of you.
Gene and Linda Manning
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Johnny, Stacia, and family, we were unable to attend your mother's service, but wanted to send our sincere sympathies to all of you. Ms. Odeal was a joy all the years we have known her. Every time I would run into her, I got a hug. The last time I saw her was at an old-time Gospel singing for which I was playing the piano. She loved old time Gospel songs and so do I. I know you all will miss her. May God bless you with his wondrous peace and comfort and the assurance that you will see her again.
Joe and Pat Howerton
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Johnny, Pat and I extend our sympathies to you and your family. Have many fond memories or our time together at the middle school. She was a sweet lady and had a great sense of humor. She was a blessing to many, young and old.
Richard Pearson
Thursday, February 13, 2020
Johnny I’m sorry for your loss. Prayers to you and yours. Harvey is asking her what took ya so long.
BETTY CASE JERRY & JOHNNY CASE & FAMILY
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
So sorry for your loss so enjoyed many conversations with odeal across the many years our heart & prayers go out to the entire Adams family she will be missed by many May God give you peace .
Jim and Kitty Darnell and Joe and Cindy McCai
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Jonny and family. We want you to know we thought the world of your Mom. She was such a sweet and classy lady. We are unable to attend her service, but want you to know, you are in our thoughts and prayers!!!
Jim, Kitty, Joe and Cindy
Tim kellar
Tuesday, February 11, 2020
So sorry to hear about Odeal. She was a wonderful person. I have very fond memories of times we spent together.
Nancy Laura Loveless Joyner
Monday, February 10, 2020
Barham Family
Monday, February 10, 2020
Our deepest sympathy and prayers for the Adams family. Mrs. Adams was one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known. My mother Joanne always enjoyed her visits with Odeal. Please know that we will be thinking of you all in the days ahead and praying for comfort as you grieve her loss.
Bob, Joanne, and Nancy Barham
Nancy Moix
Sunday, February 9, 2020
I came to know sweet Mrs. Adams working at Conway Public Schools.....my prayers are with you all.