Shelby Jean Adams

Shelby Jean Folsom Adams, 78, of Goose Creek, SC, died Wednesday, May 18, 2016, at her home, with family members by her side after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Her funeral service will be held Thursday, May 26, 2016 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 8720 Antler Drive at 10:00 am; Interment, Plantation Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel, 2180 Greenridge Road, Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

Shelby was born September 19, 1937 in Moultrie, Georgia. She was the daughter of Robert Felton Folsom and Maudie Lee Williams, the 9th of 10 children. She loved to spend time with her father and learned to work hard by helping her mother with chores and in the kitchen. This work ethic continued throughout her life, culminating with starting her own business in her late 60's, Lady Bug Cleaning, cleaning model homes. Shelby married Reuben Edward Adams and raised three sons and two daughters over 56 years of marriage. Retirement from the Air Force brought them to Charleston, but not before they had assignments stateside and in Bermuda, Germany, and Okinawa.In her 20's, Shelby joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and was an active and faithful member throughout her life. She served many, using her creative talents of sewing, cooking, drawing, and painting. She was a gifted teacher and loved people. The last few years she enjoyed teaching children's Sunday classes, arranging flowers for the chapel, and making dozens of delicious brownies for the fathers each Father's Day.The center and joy of Shelby's life was her family. She was a generous and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother; providing countless hours of care for her grandchildren. She was as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside. A talented homemaker, she worked to create an organized, beautiful, and comfortable space where her family could gather to make memories and grow. She hosted many family gatherings and provided delicious food for those occasions which will be irreplaceable and greatly missed; especially by her grandsons. Shelby enjoyed fun and laughter. She had a sharp mind and loved playing scrabble, being thrifty and shopping for bargains. Knowing the importance of education, she loved learning, and enjoyed teaching new skills to her grandchildren. As a skilled artist, she enjoyed painting flowers and outdoor scenes. Shelby had an adventurous spirit and had plans to do many more things.

She is survived by two daughters, Linda A. Wagner (Thomas) and Laurie C. Sotiroglou (Theo) all of Goose Creek, SC; three sons: Michael E. Adams (Yolanda) of San Antonio, TX, J. David Adams (Leslie) of Draper, UT and Erick N. Adams (Palmo) of Summerville, SC; 18 grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren and counting. She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings; her husband, Reuben Edward Adams; and a granddaughter, Amanda Gunter. Shelby will be remembered and missed by her family and friends.