On Saturday, January 8 ^th , 2022, Leila Johnson Adams, the loving widow of John C. "Jay" Adams, Jr., a loving mother, and extraordinary grandmother, passed away peacefully at the age of 84.

A native Floridian, Leila was born to James Allison and Julia Norton Johnson in Winter Haven, Florida in 1937.

Leila leaves an enduring legacy of love, faith, and service. She was a proud and true Floridian and spoke fondly of growing up with her horse, Flicka and pet goats near the orange groves in Avon Park, Florida. Leila received the surprise of a baby sister when she was almost 10 years old and always joked she really had wished for a baby brother. She and her sister Anne were the best of friends and enjoyed many trips together, especially Gause Landing in North Carolina and fondly referred to these trips as "sister trips". They lovingly researched the life of their Great Uncle Harry Norton, who proudly served in WWII and was the recipient of a Purple Heart posthumously.  Their tireless efforts resulted in the publishing of a book that chronicled his life and military career.

Leila met the love of her life, Jay Adams, on a blind date at the University of Florida where she was studying architecture.  They were married in 1958 and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. Leila was highly involved and active in the community she loved. Some of her most passionate causes included St. James Episcopal Church and School, where she led many fundraising committees. One of her proudest accomplishments and most successful fundraisers was a published cookbook filled with recipes from school families and church members.  Leila also needlepointed prayer kneelers that helped beautify the Church.

She was passionate about the arts, including the London Symphony Orchestra and was known for hosting fabulous cocktail parties honoring members of the symphony, who would surprise guests with many spectacular performances. Seaside Music Theater was another favorite passion of Leila; she was active on their board for many years and loved entertaining the performers visiting for the summer.

Leila along with Jay was a passionate supporter of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Leila was right by Jay's side as he led many capital campaigns to fund construction of the ICI Center, the University Sports Complex, the Crotty Tennis Complex and Adams Hall. Jay and Leila could be found at every home basketball game and many times traveled with the basketball team to away games.

Jay's success in the insurance industry, civic and philanthropic causes would not have been possible without Leila's support, love, and tireless dedication.

Leila loved to travel, especially with her family and girlfriends. She took many trips to Europe, Paris, Germany, and Switzerland being her favorites. The family enjoyed summer trips to Sun Valley, Idaho each year and those were some of the best memories we all share.

Leila's other passions included the Rolex race, which she looked forward to every year and had a special place in her heart for legendary driver Hurley Haywood. She also had a passion for aviation, especially P-51 airplanes and bravely took several rides in this vintage aircraft.

She went back to school to study photography and became an accomplished photographer. She spent many hours in her own darkroom processing the work that she loved-which was enjoyed by family and friends.

Leila's true pride and joy are her three grandchildren, Caroline, Leila, and Carly.  They fondly called her "Gugga" and it got to the point where her friends began calling her that as well. Leila was often seen driving around town with her beloved West Highland terriers and her grandchildren in the back seat.

Leila gave each granddaughter their own "pick up" day from school. Their wish was her command-shopping, making cookies, or doing crafts, Leila was all in and loved spoiling them.  She and Jay never missed a basketball, volleyball or cross country meet at St. James and Lopez. The girls' fondest memories are of playing dress up and sleepovers at Gugga and Pap Pap's house on South Peninsula where they created forts and always had homemade pancakes for breakfast. Leila's Easter Egg Hunts were legendary and were a happy tradition continued throughout their childhood.

Leila will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her daughters Julie Adams Rand and Ruthie Pickett, granddaughters Caroline Carter Dalton (Ted, Jr.), Leila Elizabeth Combs (Wally) and Carly Crafts Pickett, her sister Anne Lineberger (Arch), her nieces,  Maury Finger (Wade), Sara Weiers (Ryan) and her nephew Abel Lineberger; and son in law, King Pickett, who Leila and Jay loved dearly, along with extended family and friends. The family is deeply appreciative of the compassionate care provided to her by the exceptional team of caregivers.

Arrangements are under the careful direction of Lohman Funeral Homes, Ormond Beach. A private family service will be held in the coming weeks. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Leila's honor may be made to St. James Episcopal Church, via online at www.stjamesobfl.org or by mailing a check to St. James Episcopal Church, 44 S. Halifax Drive, Ormond Beach, FL 32176.