Judith "Judi" Dawn Adams

Judith Dawn Adams, age 72, of Raleigh, North Carolina, died on Tuesday May 20th following a brief illness. Judi, as she was known to friends and family, was born in Irwin, PA, and lived with her parents in Lexington KY, Pittsburgh, PA, and Dunedin, FL. She studied Music at Carlow University where she concentrated in French Horn and Piano. After living in Wisconsin for several years, Judi moved to and settled in Raleigh in 1978 where she married her husband, the late John R Adams in 1982.

Judi engaged enthusiastically in both her profession, as a realtor and home builder, and in her charitable work. She was known for her attention to detail, her sharp focus, and her ethical standards. Judi was involved with Meals on Wheels of Wake County for many years as a driver and deliverer, serving on their board and as the organization’s president in 2018-2019. She also served on the Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity of Wake County. As well, as an avid conservationist and animal lover, she served and supported many other causes that focused on preserving natural resources and caring for animal wellbeing, including, but not limited to the SPCA of Wake County, Carolina Raptor Center, and the National Wildlife Federation. She was a life member of the NC Zoological Society and she gave generously to several local colleges. She was an enthusiastic NC State University fan with a special affinity for State’s football program. She particularly enjoyed hosting tailgating events with family and friends.

In addition to celebrating many worthy causes, Judi was a life-long adventurer and risk taker. Scuba diving, bungee jumping, white water rafting, and traveling the world with family and friends brought her much happiness, as did spending time with her beloved work colleagues and those with whom she shared weekend brunches and other entertainments. A gamer long before gaming was so prevalent or popular, Judi kept herself sharp with digital games, including poker, and we all knew not to get between her and her newspaper with its daily sudoku.

Judi was preceded in death by her husband, John Robert Adams; her father, Reverend Dr. Joseph Clyde Weaver; her Mother, Dianne Weaver; her Sister, Lynda (“Liz”) Jo Thompson; and her step-son, Robert Noel Adams.

She is survived by her step-daughters, Carolyn Fay Adams, Kaye Adams Yadusky (Jeff Strickland), and step-daughter-in-law, Michele Adams; grandchildren, Ashleigh Gatwood, Aaron Gatwood and his wife, Karen, Nina C Yadusky, William P Yadusky and his wife, Katie, and Aleksandra P Yadusky; great grandchildren, Gia Bethea Alvarez, Margaret (“Maggie”) Fay Yadusky, and William (“Liam”) Adams Yadusky; step-mother, Louise Weaver; stepbrothers, Robert Rusk (Ofer), Corey Rusk (Diane), Douglas Rusk (Christine); step-nieces and nephews, David Rusk (Elise), Daniel Rusk (Danielle) Louis Rusk and Sarah Rusk, and; Niece, Elizabeth (“Rusti”) Castano.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday May 27th 2025 at 2:00 pm at the Mausoleum at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive friends in following the service at Michell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judi’s honor to NC Zoological Society, SPCA of Wake County, Wake County Meals on Wheels, or Habitat for Humanity.

Judi’s family offers special thanks to the members of the team at LekitaCares who tenderly attended to all of Judi’s needs in her final days.