Jo Aileen Adams

Jo Aileen Bickham Adams, 84, passed away on May 1, 2022, in Little Rock, Ark. She was born on August 7, 1937, in Tillar, Arkansas, to J.O. and Jayne Bickham. Her parents, sister, Mildred ("Pie") Baxter, and beloved husband, Dwight Adams, all preceded her in death. Jo grew up on her family's farm along Amos Bayou and attended Tillar schools for the entirety of her childhood education. In her early years, she attended Newton Chapel Methodist Church and remained a devout Methodist throughout her life. Jo was always proud of her roots in Tillar, especially her childhood friendships. After graduating from Tillar High School in 1955, Jo attended Henderson State Teachers College where she was the homecoming queen and met the love of her life, Dwight. Through Dwight's career as a football coach, Jo moved her family fifteen times and made friends in Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, and Florida. In her 58-year marriage and through the numerous moves, she survived breast cancer, a house fire and losing her husband, though she always maintained a positive outlook on life and had a smile on her face. At 80 years old, Jo moved to Parkway Village in Little Rock, where she made another group of special friends. Jo enjoyed watching football (to the extent of knowing the plays and player positions) and Arkansas basketball, going to the beach, gardening, and spending time with her family. She cherished her family and all the friendships she made throughout her life. Jo is survived by her three children, Jana Teeter of Dumas, Arkansas, Scott Adams (Gina Jenkins) of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and Babe (Bill) Free of Stuttgart, Arkansas, and sister, Jan (Vaughn) McQuary of Little Rock, Arkansas. Jo was known as Grandmama to her four grandchildren, Lacey Wickline, Shelby (Billy) Courtney, Rankin Teeter, and Sydney Free. She was also known as JoJo to her two nieces, Kathy (Scott) Rook and Courtney (David) Traylor, nephew, Drew (Laura Beth) Baxter, and numerous cousins, all of which she remained close to throughout her life. Memorials may be made to the Arkansas Children's Hospital, P.O. Box 2222, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72203; First United Methodist Church, 230 Court Street, Dumas, Arkansas, 71639; or Tillar United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 85, Tillar, Arkansas, 71670. Visitation will be held Friday, May 6, 2022, at the First United Methodist Church of Dumas from 1–2 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m. Arrangements by Griffin Funeral Home, Dumas, Ark. Please sign the online guestbook at: www.griffinfh.com