Joan Martin Adams passed away peacefully on January 12, 2026.

She was born on December 20, 1935, in Medina, Ohio, to the union of Clarence S. Martin and Mary Hurt Martin. She accepted Christ at an early age and she had a strong religious belief and faith, and she trusted in the Lord. She enjoyed attending Sunday School, Bible Study and church throughout her lifetime. She also loved listening to Gospel music.
Joan was united in marriage to James Adams, with whom she shared a devoted life together of 50 years, and together they raised four children in Akron, Ohio. Her family was her pride and joy.

She attended the University of Akron and worked for many years at St. Thomas Hospital in the healthcare field, where she gave quality and compassionate care to her patients. She also worked alongside her father in his business, C. Martin Trucking, as his bookkeeper.

Joan was a very humble and strong woman with a kind and gentle spirit who embraced life. She carried herself with grace and class. When challenges arose, she looked at the brighter side of things and would often say “when life gives you lemons, make lemonade”. She dedicated her life to creating a warm, nurturing, and loving home for her family. Her greatest joy came from time spent with those she loved and from cultivating a sense of comfort and togetherness for all who entered her home. She especially enjoyed live theatre, concerts, gardening, traveling, current events, and reading a good book while relaxing in her favorite chair, often with a warm cup of tea and a sweet treat. She also enjoyed a nightly bowl of ice cream.

Joan was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband, James Adams, and her two younger sisters, Nancy Foster and Addie Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory four loving children, Michael Adams, James (Jill) Adams, Darlene Adams, and Nancy (Don) Hromulak; four cherished granddaughters, Joannessa Brantley, Jennifer Brantley, Dr. Tessa Adams, and Taylor Adams; great-granddaughter, Alexus Chapman; and great-great granddaughter, Iris Rivers. Joan also leaves a host of other relatives and dear friends who will forever remember and miss her.

Contributions to the American Stroke Association would be appreciated.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, from 11:00 am until 12:00 noon at Sommerville Funeral Services, 1695 Diagonal Rd. Akron, OH 44320. Funeral services will immediately follow at 12:00 noon. Interment Ohio Western Reserve.