Joan Eileen (Phillips) Adams

Joan Eileen Adams, 90, passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2024, after a very brief battle with cancer.

Joan spent the last 37 years of her life as a beloved community member of Millville, after raising her three children in Upper Arlington, Ohio. She had a beautiful voice and was always a cherished member of the Methodist Church choir. An avid reader, Joan led a quiet, faithful life punctuated by her infectious giggle. She enjoyed her social circle of friends, making time for Red Hat outings, weekly card games of Skip Bo with friends, and was always up for lunches out with the ladies! Her laughter and the lively twinkle in her eye will be missed by all.

Born on St. Patrick’s Day, 1934, and raised in Princeton, N.J., we were all lucky to have been a part of her life. Joan was the only daughter of Walter and Josephine Phillips and grew up in a close-knit family with her brother, Walt. She attended Centenary College for Women and worked in various offices until she left the workforce to raise her three children. Always active in church choir, Joan was also a talented green thumb who could keep African Violets alive for decades. She enjoyed many bus trips across the United States where she would make friends quickly as she enjoyed musicals, museums and the countryside. Joan seemed happiest with a toddler to sing songs with, delighting in her active grandchildren’s lives.  

She is survived by her brother, Walter Phillips, Boardman, Ohio; and her three children: Laurie Adams, Westerville, Ohio, Dan Adams, Millville, and Debbie Adams Murray, Yarmouth, Maine; as well as her four grandchildren: Michael Ford, Marblemount, Wash., and Bobby, Finn, and Maggie Murray, Yarmouth, Maine. She was predeceased by Ron Adams, with whom she lovingly raised the family.

A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the Mill-Green United Methodist Church, 75 S. State St., Millville. Flowers are gladly received for the service or donations can be made in her honor to The Columbia County Traveling Library “Friends of the CCTL” https://travelinglibrary.org/donate/. 702 Sawmill Road, Suite 101, Bloomsburg, PA 17815.  Please put ‘Joan Adams Donation’ in the memo.

Family and friends may send online condolences to bunnellfuneralhome.com. The Bunnell Funeral Home Inc, Millville is handling arrangements.

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