of West Memphis, AR
January 11, 1942 - September 27, 2015
Lora M. Adams of West Memphis, Arkansas formerly of Baton Rouge, Louisiana passed away on September 27, 2015. She was 73.
From humble beginnings in Greene County Arkansas she attended school at Dixie and Paragould graduating in 1960. She continued her education earning a B.Ed., M.Ed., and S. Ed from Arkansas State University.
Her career as an educator began in the Cardwell, Missouri school district. Later she worked in Houston, Texas as a school librarian. Around 1980 she began a new career in educational publishing.
Embracing the culture and traditions of south Louisiana in her adopted home town of Baton Rouge, Lora enjoyed a professional career spanning more than 20 years. A savvy business woman, during her tenure with Zehner Blasier, Simon and Schuster and Modern Curriculum Press she advocated for public education in Louisiana by appealing to legislative committees and educational leaders. After retirement she returned to Paragould to live until she moved to West Memphis ten years ago.
She was a former member of the Jaycees of Arkansas, the Louisiana Association of School Executives, and the North Baton Rouge Lions Club.
Lora loved to travel and visited some of her dream destinations including Germany, Hong Kong, parts of Canada and Mexico.
She was preceded in death by her parents M.H. and Orlen Young Irvin,; brothers, Otis ''Bud'' Irvin, Gene Irvin, Tommy Irvin, and Charles Irvin; sister, Earline Jenkins.
She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Barry and Lisa Adams, two grandchildren, Riley Adams and Rene Adams all of West Memphis, AR; sister, Gail Turner of Paragould, AR and her beloved caregiver, Sara Thompson.
Services are scheduled for Saturday, October 3 in Deneke Hall of First United Methodist Church, 215 N. Missouri, West Memphis, AR. Visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a memorial service at 12:00 p.m.
Memorials may be given to FUMC West Memphis or the Alzheimer's Association Central Arkansas Regional Cneter 441 S. Victor, Ste. 202, Little Rock, AR 72201
Lora was beautiful, intelligent and always so nice to me growing up. And, she did a wonderful job raising a wonderful son. What a legacy.
So sorry, praying for everyone. Love to all.
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Lora was a remarkable woman. I actually thought of her often and I am so very sorry for you all during this time. I send my love to all of you.