Martha Jane Adams

Jane was born in Washington D.C. on Nov 19, 1935, to Lt. Col. Arthur G. Dezendorf and Martha T. Scruggs. Jane moved to N.O. at 17 years of age and attended Sophie B. Newcomb College. From that moment on, her heart and soul belonged to the city of New Orleans, where she lived for the next 70 years. Jane married Lionel Adams. Jr., a native of New Orleans, and raised four daughters together.

Jane was multifaceted, with a wide range of interests. Her love of art began at a young age at the Rehoboth Art League in Rehoboth Beach, DE, where her family spent their summers. This passion for art grew into a love of interior design, architecture and fashion. She had an extensive wardrobe and was delighted to be named to The Times-Picayune Best Dressed List. Jane was an avid reader and book lover with subject matters ranging from fashion to health to politics to finances. An athlete and an avid sports lover, Jane was a New Orleans Saints season ticket holder for over 30 years and attended home games into her 80s; a New Orleans Hornets/Pelicans season ticket holder, and a Fantasy football and March Madness league champion with more wins than any other family member. Jane loved attending her grandchildren’s sporting events at Carrollton Playground and throughout their school years. The most endearing qualities of Jane were her kindness, generosity, love of life, and her ability to make people feel special with her genuine interest in them. She truly cared about each and every one she met. She was the light of the room, a beautiful woman both inside and out.

She is predeceased by her husband, Lionel Adams, Jr., her parents, her sisters, June T. Dezendorf and Doris E. Kane. She is survived by her four daughters, Laura K. Adams, Lisa A. Williams (Lawrence), Martha A. Redmon, and Dorothy O. Adams (Paul Guzyk); step-son Lionel Adams (Leslie) and grandchildren, Colby H. Mack, Martha Jane Williams, and Hunter B. Redmon. She was particularly close to her housekeepers and dear friends of 60 years, Blanche Parker and Sally Colin.

A Memorial Service will be held later this Spring.