Laura Bell Adams

Laura Bell Adams, age 86, died Tuesday, February 9, 2021, after a brief illness at Ave Maria Retirement Home in Bartlett, Tennessee. She will be remembered for her love, her kindness, and her ability to make everyone around her feel special.

Laura was born in St. James, Missouri on February 24, 1934, the daughter of Albert and Sarah Kolb. She grew up in Cuba, Missouri, a town she always claimed as her home. She had two brothers, Charles and Kenneth Kolb, and one sister, Shirley Kolb Mullen. The four of them were very close even into adulthood.

In 1971, Laura took on the monumental task of becoming mother to four children, ranging in age from seven to thirteen, when she married Robert B. Adams, Jr. on November 26 of that year. Bob and Laura remained married until his death in 2012.

Laura worked for many years as an executive assistant in the accounting department at Terminix, later ServiceMaster. She was known for the cakes she made for her fellow employees on their birthdays, among many other kindnesses. When Laura retired, an entire week was dedicated to celebrating her work and all that she did for her co-workers.

Mrs. Adams adored her five grandchildren and spoiled them rotten every chance she got. They loved her back in equal measure. She also loved her siblings and all of her nieces and nephews, and was always a warm and gracious hostess to family, friends, and neighbors. She enjoyed doting on fellow residents of St. Luke’s Cottage at Ave Maria. She served on the Altar Guild at The Episcopal Church of the Holy Communion in Memphis and prepared meals for bereaved families at Holy Trinity Episcopal Church while living in Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. She was known to love all animals, but dogs in particular. She also enjoyed planting flowers around her home.

The family expresses its appreciation to the homebound ministry at Church of the Holy Communion (Episcopal) for faithfully visiting Laura while she lived at Ave Maria. The family also especially wishes to thank the caregivers at St. Luke’s Cottage for their kindness and compassion, and the staff at St. Mary’s House at Ave Maria for caring for her in her final days.

Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a niece and two nephews. She is survived by her siblings, Charles Kolb, Shirley Mullen, and Kenneth Kolb (Diana); daughters, Anne Mueller (Tim), Amy Adams, and Linda Maass (Jim); and son, Bob (Mary). She is also survived by grandchildren, Laura Mueller Clifton (Durphey), Daniel Mueller, Hunter Maass, Caroline Adams, and Robert B. Adams, IV and great-grandson Henry Clifton.

Funeral plans are pending. Memphis Funeral Home is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to Ave Maria Home, 2805 Charles Bryan Road, Memphis, TN 38134, or the charity of one’s choice.