Joyce Dawn Adams

Joyce Dawn Johnson Adams, age 70, passed away on Sunday, May 15, 2016, at her home in Wendell with her family by her side.  Joyce was born on August 17, 1945, in Newhall, California, the second child of Elmer Johnson and Harriett Cresap Johnson.

The family lived in Blodgett, Oregon during her early years and returned to California in 1952 where she attended schools in Stockton and French Camp, graduating from Manteca High School.

On November 21, 1963, she married David Lee Adams.  The couple and their two small children moved to Wendell, Idaho, in 1968.  Joyce worked at the Lincoln Inn in Gooding, Wendell Drug Store, City Drug in Twin Falls, and for many years as hostess at China Village in Jerome.

In 1990, two grandchildren came into her life.  Her love for them and the joys of being a grandmother inspired her to begin caring for children in her home.  Since 1994 she has been Grandma Joyce, Mimi, or Meme to dozens and dozens of children.  Although small in stature, she was a bundle of energy and provided a loving, fun, home-away-from-home for the children, singing and dancing with them, introducing them to classic movies, all-cotton clothing, bike-riding, Elvis, and her entertaining antics.  Many of the children have stayed in touch with her and Papa Dave in to adulthood, calling, visiting, and sharing their milestones with them.  Several of the mothers became close friends and were very special to her.  Joyce’s love and generosity knew no bounds.

It was with great regret that she gave up childcare after being diagnosed with ALS in late 2014.  She faced the diagnosis and the disease with amazing strength and determination.

Joyce is preceded in death by her parents and a son-in-law, Kevin Kuhlman.  She is survived by her husband, Dave Adams, of Wendell; her daughter Jerri Adams, her son Dave Adams and Marnita, and grandchildren Nicholas Adams, William Hannington, and Heather Hannington, all of Boise.

Always the life of the party, she will be missed by her four sisters and a brother and their spouses: Jackie and Tim Gillit of Lathrop, CA; Julie and Greg Rost of Salt Lake City, UT; June and Phil Wert, Jane and Jerry Sabala, and John and Judy Johnson, all of Wendell, and numerous nieces and nephews, many of whom have fond memories of being cared for in her home.

Much appreciated for the assistance and guidance extended during her illness are Dr. John Steffens, the wonderful staff of Visions Hospice, and the dedicated care by her sister Julie.  Arrangements are under the care of Parke’s Magic Valley Funeral Home.  At Joyce’s request, there will be no funeral service, but if you look to the heavens, you may see “Little Dawn”, a star recently named in her honor by her children, for she was a “shining star” to all who knew and loved her.