Judith Ann Adams

Judith Ann Garland Adams, a loving mother and grandmother, became an angel and went to be with her Lord and Savior on November 30th, 2023, surrounded by her children at the Johnson City Medical Center. They loved her dearly and will miss her endlessly. Judy was born on May 2nd, 1947, in Erwin, TN. The daughter of the late Stewart Garland and Betty Ann McCurry Garland, she was preceded in death by her parents and sister, Carol Garland Dula, brother-in-law Red Barron and her nephew Brian Barron. She is survived by her daughters Melanie Adams (Eric Dempsey) of Johnson City, Amy Adams Stein (Adam) of Mount Juliet, TN, and son Bo Adams (Jennifer) of Marietta, GA. Most important are the greatest joys of her life, her “Fab Four” grandchildren. Sophie Izabella & Emily Ann (Emmy) Stein, and Tate Bowman & Rowan Marie Adams. The love that she gave them was limitless, and they will always treasure their memories with their “GiGi”. She is also survived by sister, Marijane Barron, brothers Rudy Garland (Celeste), Gene Garland (Annette), Dean Garland, Doug Garland (Cynthia Renee’) and many special nieces and nephews.

Judy had a love for the Lord from an early age. Growing up she attended Unicoi Baptist Church with her family, with fond memories of her Grandparents and her Aunts Mabel and Leona Garland. As a teenager she proudly played the piano for the congregation there during services. She graduated from Erwin High School in 1965 where she relished representing the school as a member of the cheerleading team. After high school Judy attended East Tennessee State University, where she honed her natural talents for writing poetry and short stories. After taking time to start a family, Judy worked for 25 years for East Tennessee State University as a Residency Coordinator for the Department of Psychiatry in the Quillen College of Medicine. She enjoyed her time working with hundreds of medical students from across the world while assisting them in reaching their goals in medicine. Judy also cherished her work colleagues that became extended members of her family. A sports fanatic, she rarely missed a ballgame that involved her ETSU Bucs and Tennessee Volunteers, and she was always the biggest supporter of any ballgame, dance recital, cheerleading competition or other activity that involved one of her grandchildren, nieces, or nephews.

Judy was artistic with a sharp Southern wit. She was extremely proud of her Appalachian heritage, and she was strong in her faith. She loved decorating, gardening and antiquing. Her home was always warm and inviting, particularly around her favorite holiday Christmas. While always keeping the true meaning of Christmas alive, she was also known to travel far and wide to find that special gift for a loved one. Her family will especially remember her fondly during this time of year.

Judy’s family is comforted in the knowledge that she is now with God, that her Heavenly body is free from the pain of many health setbacks, and that she will always be a guardian angel for her loved ones. The family would like to thank the numerous care givers that supported Judy over the past few years. A celebration of life will be announced for a later date in the spring. In lieu of flowers, any memorial contributions can be made to the Samaritan’s Purse at PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or www.samaritanspurse.org.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family via www.morrisbaker.com. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Adams family. (423) 282-1521