Emily Jean Adams

Emily Jean (Ross) Adams, 89, of Newburgh, Indiana, formerly of Bartonville, Illinois, died peacefully at home surrounded by her loved ones on June 26, 2025. Born on January 31, 1936, in Greenup, Illinois, to the late Mac Ross and Hazel Hayden, she married James Earl Adams on June 23, 1957, in Charleston, Illinois. James preceded her in death.

Emily graduated from Eastern Illinois University in 1963. Her desire to teach began long before college and for the next 30 years she was truly a unique caring Educator at Homewood Heights School in Creve Coeur, Illinois and at Oak Grove School in Bartonville, Illinois, retiring in 1993. Emily was ahead of her time when it came to engaging her students and acknowledging that not all students learn in the same way and she would adjust her teaching style for her students’ needs. She was also known for her knowledge of trivia and the details she retained on a broad range of topics seemed limitless. After the creation of the internet, she was referred to as The Human Google.

Emily was a wonderful Wife, Mother, and Mamaw who was extremely proud of her family. She was known for her strong faith in GOD and an active member of Trinity Presbyterian Church of Bartonville. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, altering clothes for her grandchildren, reading, traveling, playing cards and cherished her many lifelong friendships that came from her book club and bible study groups. If you knew her you know she loved to tell a story, she had countless stories about her students, and her many wild and unique life experiences. She leaves behind a legacy of love, and her warmth and compassion will be greatly missed.

Emily is survived by her children Katherine (Cecil T) Taylor of Washington, Illinois, Kristin (Ginger) Adams of Bartonville, Illinois, and Kara (Carl) Guerry of Newburgh, Indiana; grandchildren Marcus (Adele), Emily (Tim), Aragorn, Hawkeye, Caspian, Scout, Layla, Brittney (Kyle), Paul and Josh(Caitlyn): great-grandchildren Dee, Saylor, Daniel, Odessa, Quintin, Barkley, Trenton, Cayden, Logan, Henry, and Caroline; brothers Alan and Garry (Pam); sister Cheryl (Dan) Flood; Bonus Mom Marylee Ross; and honorary children David & Amy Ayers. Her brother Michael and beloved grandchild Atticus preceded her in death.

Visitation will be Sunday, July 6, 2025 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Davison-Fulton Bartonville Chapel, 1203 W. Garfield Ave, Bartonville, IL. Funeral services will be Monday, July 7, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at the funeral home. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to the services on Monday.

Burial will be in Swan Lake Memory Gardens in Peoria.

Memorials may be made to the Heart to Heart Hospice program at https://www.htohhfoundation.org/donation/ , or the Trinity Presbyterian Church, 4400 S. Airport Rd. Bartonville, IL. 61607 https://www.trinitypresbych.net/.

You may view Emily’s obituary online at www.DavisonFultonBartonvilleChapel.com