Gena Aileen Medley Adams

Gena Aileen Medley Adams, aged 100, transitioned into the Kingdom of Heaven on January 9, 2025, in Birmingham, Alabama. Born on December 16, 1924, Aileen dedicated her life to her faith, her family and her community, leaving a legacy of kindness and service. Her faith, family and community were central to her life, providing her with both a spiritual home and a platform to serve others.

Aileen began her career at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, Florida before marrying Joseph James Adams, Sr. on August 10, 1948. They moved to Montgomery, Alabama at which time she paused her professional life to focus on her family. Following the sudden death of her husband on April 13, 1957, Aileen reentered the workforce after her children started school, securing a position at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Montgomery, Alabama where she remained until her retirement on January 29, 1988. She continued to live in Montgomery until she moved to Birmingham in 2015.

Throughout her life in Montgomery, Aileen was an active member of Capital Heights United Methodist Church where she often chaired and participated in various church activities. She was a faithful member of the Church choir for many years, which reflected her spiritual connection with music throughout her life.

Aileen was a fiercely loyal, supportive and kind Mother and friend, and these traits extended beyond her immediate circle. She was known for her thoughtful gestures, such as sending heartfelt, handwritten notes to family and friends who were ill or experiencing challenges in their lives. She would often bake and deliver her well-known confections (like her chocolate and pecan pies) to home-bound Church members and friends. These small acts of kindness left a lasting impact on those who were fortunate enough to know her. She often visited friends in their homes and in hospitals and, on occasion, held their hands and prayed with them, as they were preparing to transition from this Earth, while reflecting on their friendship and their belief in Everlasting Life.

Aileen is survived by her loving children: daughter, Gena Carol Adams and son, Joseph James Adams, Jr. and several dear nieces, nephews and cousins to whom she was close throughout her life.

Aileen was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph James Adams, Sr., her adored mother, Gena Eufaula Cheshire, her dear father, Benjamin Franklin Medley, her sister and best friend, Sarah Laurice Windsor, her cherished brother, Hubert Franklin Medley and several treasured aunts and uncles.

Aileen requested a private funeral service, in keeping with her wishes for an intimate and reflective goodbye. Her service was held on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at White Chapel in Montgomery, Alabama, followed by interment at Greenwood Cemetery beside her beloved husband. Aileen was lovingly carried to her final resting place by her pallbearers: Mel Barkley, David Chalker, Donnie Hudson, Johnny Traylor, Ray Vallor and Ronnie Watkins.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Aileen's memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Samaritan's Purse, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or Vested Interest in K9s, which are organizations that reflect her spirit of generosity and caring for people, the service of our military and animals.

The family sincerely appreciates all the prayers and kind gestures of love and support while we navigate the loss of our beloved Aileen.