Joyceleen Adams was born December 26, 1941, in Farraday, Kentucky to Graham and Evelyn
Kincer of Mayking Kentucky. Joy transitioned from life to real life on February 2, 2026, at 84
years of age, rejoicing with a heart full of a life well lived. Knowing she was true to herself and
her Creator, she was ready for an eternity of Love, Relationship, and Joy.
The oldest of 10 children, she began early taking care of other people. Joy decided she wanted to
be a homemaker and a mother, and she excelled at both when she married the “boy next door”
(Paul Dean Adams, USAir-Force) on November 5, 1961.
Joy selflessly created a home for her family wherever their military travels took them, teaching
her girls that “home” was more than place; it was being together in a ring of safety, comfort,
emotional support and order. She made sure these things were always present for those she
loved. Devoted to making her home a haven for anyone who needed it; many benefited from
her care. Taking care of people is who she was. It was how she loved... Not only her husband
and daughters, but her grandparents, parents, in-laws, brothers and sisters, aunts & uncles, nieces
& nephews, neighbors and strangers.
When Joy saw a need, she tried to meet it. She did not suggest “someone ought to…”; she just
did it. All the while encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves. Helping others
succeed energized Momma. And she did it well! She was genuinely interested in other people,
and had an excellent memory. She would remember your name, and your story. That memory of
hers lended itself to remarkable bookkeeping and accounting of the family finances and history.
Everyone benefited from her organizational skills; they were amazing.
Joy taught one to take care of what you’ve been given and share it with others. Love God and
all that He loves. Choose happiness. Joy’s greatest happiness was her only grandson, Elijah
Paul Cox.
Joyceleen’s family included her husband of 64 years, Paul Dean Adams, and two daughters:
Rhonda Shoemaker (Brian) of Louisville, KY, and Shannon Cox (Ron) of Fishers, IN, and one
grandson: Elijah Paul Cox of Fishers, IN.
Joy has 9 siblings, 6 of which survive: Randall Kincer (Bonnie), Stephen Graham Kincer,
Carolyn June Short (Jerry), Shelia Faye Kincer, Ladonna Irene Kincer, and Kimberly Sue Miles
(Ken).
In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by sisters, Josephine Ritchie
(J.R.), and Lana Margaret Fisher (Bobby) ; and brother, Dwight David Kincer.
To send flowers or plant a tree in memory of Joyceleen Adams, visit the Tribute Store.
Previous Events
Celebrating a Life
28
Feb
Cowan, KY
81 Sturgill Branch Whitesburg, Ky 41858
Entombment
28
Feb
Whitesburg, KY
