News Summary
Willie Thomas Adams, a respected community leader and co-owner of Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home, passed away at 75. He dedicated over four decades to AT&T and made significant contributions to various community organizations, including the New Hope Baptist Church and the Alcorn State University Alumni Association. He is survived by his wife, Emma, and their two sons, along with three grandchildren. His funeral services will be held at New Hope Baptist Church, with visitation at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home, reflecting the love and respect he garnered in his community.
Jackson, Mississippi – Willie Thomas Adams, a respected community leader and co-owner of Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home, passed away on August 10, 2025, at St. Dominic Hospital. He was 75 years old and was surrounded by his loving family at the time of his passing.
Born on November 8, 1949, in Etta, Mississippi, Adams was the son of Marion and Ruby Adams. He graduated from Central High School in Oxford, Mississippi, in 1968 and went on to pursue higher education at Alcorn A & M College (now Alcorn State University), where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in biology/pre-med in 1972.
Adams dedicated over 44 years of his career to AT&T, where he served as an associate manager in the Information Technology Department. In 2001, he and his wife, Emma Adams, co-founded Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home in Vicksburg, which provided professional and compassionate funeral services to Vicksburg and surrounding areas.
Community Engagement and Contributions
Throughout his life, Adams was deeply involved in various community organizations. He was an active member of the New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Young. Adams also contributed to the Vicksburg Warren Chapter of the Alcorn State University Alumni Association and was a life member of the Alcorn State University National Alumni Association. His commitment to youth development was evident through his engagement with the Boy Scouts of America.
As a member of the Epsilon Kappa Kappa Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, Adams received a service award in 2024, celebrating his 55 years of dedication to the organization. Furthermore, he was honored with a Golden Diploma from Alcorn State University in 2022, recognizing his long-standing commitment to his alma mater.
Family and Surviving Members
Willie Thomas Adams is survived by his beloved wife, Emma P. Adams, and their two sons, Kevin Adams of Houston, Texas, and Christopher (Mieko) Paige of Orlando, Florida. He also leaves behind three grandchildren: Madison, Taylar, and Christian Paige, all residing in Orlando. His family network includes siblings Roosevelt (Regina) Adams in Chicago and Dr. Kynard (Beverly) Adams in Montgomery, Alabama, along with sisters Mae Frances Shelby and Ruth Adams Ball in Oxford. His mother-in-law, Myrea Paige of Jackson, Mississippi, and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, an aunt named Essie Marzette, as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends also survive him.
Funeral Arrangements
Funeral services for Willie Thomas Adams are scheduled for August 19, 2025, at 11 a.m. at New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson. Following the service, he will be laid to rest at Garden Memorial Park in Jackson. Visitation will be held at Lakeview Memorial Funeral Home in Vicksburg on August 17, 2025, from 3 to 5 p.m., with an additional visitation on August 18, 2025, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Willis and Sons Funeral Home. Another visitation will take place at New Hope Baptist Church on the evening of August 18 from 5:30 to 7 p.m., culminating in an Omega Memorial Service at 6 p.m.
A Lasting Legacy
Willie Thomas Adams is remembered for his unwavering commitment to his profession, family, and community. His legacy of kindness, generosity, and dedication to service will continue to inspire those who knew him.
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- Vicksburg Post: Willie Thomas Adams Obituary
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- C Dispatch: Lt. Col. (Ret.) James H. Wright Jr. Obituary
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- Wikipedia: Willie Thomas Adams
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Willie Thomas Adams
- Google News: Willie Thomas Adams
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