Patricia Smyth Adams

Patricia (Smyth) Adams died from complications of Covid-19 on May 24, 2020 at the age of 88. Born in Montgomery, Alabama on December 12, 1931, she graduated from Loretta High School (now Montgomery Catholic Prep) in 1948. She met her soul mate, Glen Adams, while attending Troy University. The two were married in 1952 and fulfilled their dream of starting a family - two boys and two girls: Wade Adams (Margaret), Connie Adams (Mick Morbitzer), Melinda Kramer, and Jim Adams (Katie). Her family continued to grow through the years with 13 grandchildren: Andrea Noktes, Melissa Kramer (Brett), Timothy Kramer, Benjamin Kramer, Gregory Kramer, Philip Kramer, Shannon Sullivan (Brahim), Erin Sullivan (Tim), Megan Jarchow (Ryan), Kevin Adams (Kayla), Morgan Adams (deceased), Xavier Adams, and Ike Eke. Seven great-grandchildren include: Addison Noktes, Rowan Noktes, Gavin Noktes, Aiden Kramer, Avery Hanus, Koraline Adams, and Aisha Moutaouakil.

Pat was a life-long Catholic educator. Her career was devoted to teaching fourth graders. “That in itself qualifies her for sainthood,” it has been said. As a teacher with a love of the English language, she became an inspiration to many who passed through “Miz Adams’ classroom” at St. Bede Elementary School in Montgomery. She went on to receive a Master’s in Education at Auburn University at Montgomery and studied for a doctorate in English Semantics at Auburn University, but upon finishing the required coursework she left the program before her final doctoral thesis. Pat proudly stated, “I gained all the knowledge I needed. I didn’t need the title of ‘doctor’ to prove it.”

Her invincible spirit was always at its best during the many years she donned the green uniform of Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts at St. Bede School. Many cherished memories came from those countless summers of camping trips, merit badges, and smores.

Upon retirement Pat stayed busy with her incredible talents as an artist, pianist, and poet. She began traveling the world with her husband Glen up until the time of his death in 1998. She volunteered with many charities including the Montgomery Cancer Center and the Elmore County Foodbank and continued her travels with the other loves of her life - her grandchildren. She made her final trip abroad in 2017 to her favorite destination of Ireland, this time with great-grandchildren under her maternal wing.

Pat struggled with Alzheimer’s for the last few years of her life. During that time she never lost her Catholic faith, her thirst for a thought-provoking book and poetry, and her love for her ever-growing family.

Patricia and Glen Adams are now where they always wanted to be: together – for all eternity.

Due to the current pandemic, a small private graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Montgomery, where Patricia will be interred in the family’s plot. A memorial Mass celebrating her life will take place at some point in the future when social distancing restrictions lift.

Donations of remembrance can be made to the American Cancer Society, Feed the Children, or a local food bank.