Anna Mercedes "Dee" Martinez Adams

Anna Mercedes “Dee” Martinez Adams, beloved mother, grandmother, trailblazer, and friend, passed away on December 2, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, the city where her extraordinary journey began. Born on August 22, 1930, across from the Old Streetcar Barn, Dee shaped the world around her with passion, dedication, and an adventurous spirit.

Dee graduated from Jefferson High School in 1949, where she was a proud member of the band for four years. She continued her education at the University of Florida and soon found herself breaking barriers as she began a career in aviation. Trained by Trans Canada, Dee made history as the first flight attendant on the inaugural flight from Tampa to Mexico City, paving the way for women in the workforce at a time when such roles were still groundbreaking.

After her time in the skies, Dee married Howard Walter Adams Jr., and together they shared a love for travel that took them all over the world during their 59 wonderful years of marriage, beginning with a honeymoon in Havana, Cuba.

Dee’s professional journey led her to the real estate industry, where she left an indelible mark. Over four decades, she earned the prestigious Emeritus Status and became a cornerstone of the Greater Tampa Association of Realtors. Dee served on its Board of Directors for many years, held the position of secretary-treasurer for five terms, and chaired numerous committees, receiving countless accolades for her dedication and expertise.

She was equally active in the State of Florida Association of Realtors, where she served as a director and contributed to the communications committee, earning special recognition for her work. Her influence extended nationally, as a member of the National Association of Realtors, where she attended conventions across the country and abroad. Dee’s commitment to the industry was further demonstrated through her mentorship, where she supported countless Realtors in developing leadership skills. In 1987, Dee was honored as Realtor of the Year and served as president of the Women’s Council. Even after retiring, she remained a trusted advisor, continuing to connect buyers and sellers with her network of colleagues.

Beyond her impressive accomplishments, Dee was a woman of conviction who always spoke her mind, ensuring you knew exactly where you stood. Her candid nature kept everyone on their toes, but it was her honesty, paired with her quick wit and unwavering love, that left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Her legacy lives on in her family, including her son Howard Walter Adams III and his wife Carrie, her granddaughters Amanda Halks (Patrick) and Megan Congemi (Chris), as well as her great-granddaughter Annabelle Halks.

Dee will be remembered for her boundless energy, her pioneering spirit, and the joy she brought to those fortunate enough to know her. She left this world as she lived her life—making an unforgettable impact and never holding back.

A gathering of family and friends will be held Thursday, December 19, 2024 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Blount & Curry Life Event Center, 605 S. MacDill Avenue.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to Catholic Charities USA at catholiccharitiesusa.org OR 2050 Ballenger Ave, Alexandria, VA 22314