10/17/2025
Phyllis Holt Adams, 75, of Center, passed away Thursday, October 16, 2025, in Center. Funeral service will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, October 18, 2025, at Watson & Sons Funeral Home in Center with visitation beginning at 3:00 p.m. Bro. Don Moore and Bro. Bobby Warr will officiate. Interment will follow at Mt. Herman Cemetery in Shelby County.
Born April 11, 1950, in Center, Phyllis is the daughter of J.T. Holt and Eldora Koonce Holt. She worked as an office manager at a family-owned business, in addition to being the manager of everything her family could ever need or want. She was known for her laughter and fun-loving teasing. She was the cherished wife of her high-school sweetheart, Jerryl, with whom she shared nearly 60 years of marriage. Phyllis was a member of Mt. Herman Missionary Baptist Church in Shelby County, where she actively served for decades. She also was the treasurer and secretary for the West Shelby County Volunteer Fire Department.
In the early years, when her children were young, she spent countless hours volunteering at Excelsior School, including baking for many school carnivals. Later in life she took great joy in playing games and spending time with her grandchildren. She nourished her family, with their favorites including chicken and dumplings, “cow patty” cookies, tater tot casserole, and Martha Washington candies. She loved to shop and had many adventures with her family on Black Fridays. She enjoyed crocheting and lovingly crocheted baby blankets for many of her nieces and nephews. She never met a stranger and loved to talk to anyone and everyone. She made sure everyone in her life knew how much she loved them and how proud she was of them, frequently sending encouraging messages. She was a treasured counselor providing wise advice to generations, and she was always willing to just listen.
She is survived by:
Husband, Jerryl Adams
Children:
Jennifer and husband Randy Cecil
Melinda Adams
Jerryl Fane Adams Jr. and wife Jennifer
Grandchildren:
Chelsea and husband Erik Antonio
Lauren Cecil
Dakota Low
Garrett Cecil and wife Ryanne
Elise Adams
Elaine Adams
Eli Adams
Six great-grandchildren
Sister, Sandra and husband Marcus Wilson
Brother, Phillip Holt and wife Charlotte
Brothers-in-law, Mike Adams and wife Cathy
Steve Adams and wife Jean
Kip Adams
Sisters-in-law:
Wanda and husband Freddy Noles
Jana and husband Randy Ivy
Kathy Holt
Jeanne Adams
Numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives
Preceded in death by her son, Timothy Fane Adams; granddaughter, Katie Boles; parents, J.T. Holt and Eldora Koonce Holt; brother, Jerry Holt; sister-in-law, Dana Fountain and husband Bert Fountain; brothers-in-law, Randy Adams, Mark Adams, and Dean Adams; father-in-law and mother-in-law, George F. Adams and Bernice Adams.
Pallbearers will be Brad Nachman, Mitchell Nachman, Brent Ivy, Michael Wayne Adams, Shannon Sherrod, and Eli Adams. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Bowlin, Kirk Stamps, and Keith Davis.
Online condolences and tributes can be sent at www.watsonandsonsfuneralhome.com
