Mary Lou Adams

Mary Louise Pence Adams, 86, passed away on Sunday morning, November 12, 2017, in Coleman, Tx. Following a private family burial, a memorial to celebrate Mary Lou’s life is scheduled for Thursday, November 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors Chapel, 733 Butternut Street.  A visitation with the family will be held Wednesday evening from 4-6 p.m. at the funeral home.

Mary Lou was born May 26, 1931 in Brady, Texas to William Riley Pence and Sadie Davis Pence. After graduating from high school, Mary Lou moved to Houston to attend business school where she met and married the love of her life, James E. Adams on August 30, 1952.

While living in Houston, Mary Lou and James had three children: Gloria, David, and Robyn. As her children grew up, Mary Lou attended the University of Houston and secured a teaching degree. Mary Lou served as an elementary teacher in Houston ISD and Westbury Christian Schools.

In 1986, Mary Lou and her husband moved to Abilene to be near their three children and their grandchildren. Mary Lou loved her children, and she adored her grandchildren: Leslie Rainer, Matthew Adams, Tony Holmes, Annalisa Holmes, Elizabeth Hill, and Rebecca Hill. Great-grandchildren include BreAnna, Aiden, and Callista Young; Jackson and Katelyn Rainer; and Maddie Jo Adams.

Mary Lou was a faithful member of the Highland Church of Christ, where she had many special friends. Mary Lou volunteered at Christian Ministries of Abilene. For many years, Mary Lou and James traveled with friends for outreach and ministry in Mexico or for vacation. Additionally, they faithfully served alongside their dear friends in the Widows and Widowers ministry. A favorite time in their lives with friends were the many evenings of 88. They cherished their friends.

Mary Lou is preceded in death by her husband, James Enloe Adams, her parents, William and Sadie Pence; and her dear sister, Shirley Pence Joiner. Mary Lou is survived by all of her children, grand-children, and great-grandchildren. Additionally, she is survived by two brothers, William Pence and Dale Pence, and a sister, Ebba Pence Cameron.

Mary Lou will be long remembered by her family as kind and serving, loyal and faithful. Her grandchildren remember how she and Grandpa would always take them to feed the ducks. We have many memories of playing games around their dining room table after delicious meals. Grandma would do whatever she could to make them feel special and loved. They describe her as selfless, servant-hearted, and humble. She was such a sweet-heart, always cheery, thoughtful, and kind. Mary Lou was a Godly woman, a beautiful soul. She embodied hospitality.

The family wishes to acknowledge our deep appreciation to the staff at Holiday Hills Nursing Home in Coleman for their kind and attentive care of Mary Lou during the last six months of her life. Additionally, the family thanks the nursing staff at Coleman Medical Center for their exceptional kindness and attentive care of Mary Lou during her final days. Your kindness and professionalism blessed us all.

The family requests that donations be made to Christian Ministries of Abilene or to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com .