Shirley Adams
Shirley Faye Adams, 89, of Osprey, FL, passed away in her home, on October 8, 2024, after a joyous and fulfilling life.
Born July 4, 1935, in Pensacola, FL the daughter of Claude and Nellie Wright, she was the loving and devoted wife of Robert Adams, her husband of 66 years. Shirley and Bob met in Pensacola while he was training to be a Naval Aviator. As a Navy wife, she served with Navy Relief from 1958 to 1964. They raised three children, Paul, Pam, and Steve, while moving from military town to military town across the country. The family finally settled in Sparta, NJ, in 1965, when Bob began flying for Pan American World Airways.
In New Jersey, Shirley was an active member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church and the Sparta Woman’s Club. She volunteered with the Welcome Wagon offering hospitality to new residents. She devoted herself to raising her children with love and care. She spent summers in Ocean City, MD with her family and lifelong friends, Pat and Jack Taylor.
Shirley loved to travel and visited six continents. One of her favorite cities was Rome. She had fond memories of a family Christmas in Brussels and visits to the Provence region of France.
After Bob retired as a captain from the airlines, Shirley and Bob settled in Osprey, FL. There, Shirley loved getting together with her wonderful neighbors, friends from Curves and playing tennis. Shirley and Bob were also active members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church where she was involved in knitting for the prayer shawl ministry.
Shirley is survived by her children: Paul and Michal Ann Adams of Dallas, GA; Pam and Thom DeLoach of Stone Mountain, GA; and Steve Adams and Tina Aponte of Sarasota, FL. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Janelle and Rachel Adams, Andy, Justin and Matthew DeLoach, and Thomas Adams. Shirley was preceded in death by her sister Lillian Stamatelos and her brothers Claude Wright Jr. and Thomas Wright.
The memorial service is on November 16 at 11:00 AM at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 508 Riviera Street, Venice, FL.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Shirley Adams to the Blue Butterfly Family Grief Center via Tidewell Foundation at 3350 S. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34239
The family expresses their deep appreciation for the compassion and care provided by Tidewell Hospice.
