Jane Elizabeth Adams (Smith), age 61, passed away in the early hours on February 7, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona at Tucson Medical Center. She was surrounded by her husband and three children. Born on March 11, 1963, in Beardstown, Illinois, Jane lived a life marked by dedication, resilience, and deep love for her family and community.
Jane moved to Kingman, Arizona in the winter of 1997 from Macomb, Illinois with her husband and three children. She resided there until her death.
Jane devoted much of her professional life to education. From 2002 until her retirement in 2018, she worked for the Kingman Unified School District. She began her career as an attendance clerk at Kingman High School South Campus -now known as Lee Williams High School-and concluded her service as the registrar at Lee Williams. Jane took great pride in her work and cherished the relationships she built with both staff and students throughout the years. Her commitment to education and the well-being of those around her left a lasting impression on the school community.
At the heart of Jane’s life was her family. She shared 43 loving years with her husband, Michael Adams. Together they raised three children: Eric Adams, their eldest son; Andrew Adams, their middle son; and Emily Adams, their youngest daughter. Jane was also a proud grandmother to Alison Ngo and Lydia Ngo, who brought immense joy into her life.
Jane is also remembered by her siblings: Bob Smith, Michael Smith Sr., and Sandra Smith DeWitt. She was preceded in death by her father Dempsey Smith Sr., mother Ruby Thurman, and brother Dempsey Smith Jr.
Those who knew Jane remember her as a strong, hardworking woman whose passion was matched only by her gentleness. She faced life’s challenges with unwavering determination and never gave up-even during the most difficult times. Her love for family was boundless; she found joy in preparing meals for loved ones and giving thoughtful gifts that reflected how deeply she cared.
Jane’s presence brought warmth and comfort to all who knew her. Her beauty, compassion, wisdom, and love are profoundly missed but will continue to live on through those she touched.
May her memory bring comfort to those who knew and loved her.
