 Adams, William "Bill" Life is always precious, and we have been touched by one of the most treasured lives in existence. We have loved and heard a wondrous voice. And our hearts have been filled. All of these blessings come by our connection to Bill. William, affectionately known as "Bill," was born May 18, 1945 in Etta, Mississippi to John Jackson and Myrie B. Williams Adams. He was the tenth of eleven children and the fifth of six sons. He grew up on his family's farm in Etta, doing those things that farm life entails; plowing with mules (and later a tractor), picking cotton, milking cows, picking (and eating) wild black berries for jelly and cobbler, and so on. Beginning as a child William worshiped at Bethlehem C.M.E. and Flint Hill M.B. churches in Etta, and Wesley C.M.E. Church in Beloit, WI. He received his education from Liberty Hill High School in Etta and Oxford Training School in Oxford, Mississippi. From high school he was drafted into the United States Army and served in Vietnam. His service dates are recorded to have begun October 7, 1965 and he humbly served until he received an honorable discharge, September 30, 1967. Bill loved playing baseball, basketball, bowling, singing, and humoring family and friends. He enjoyed laughing about antics from his early years and living in Chicago. He was a loving and devoted father and grandfather. William migrated to Beloit in the 1960's. He was employed at General Motors in Janesville, WI. It was there that he met and married Erma Jackson in 1969, and from that union was born one son. He later moved to Chicago where he worked as a self-employed contractor. It was there that he married Vallerie Jarrett in 1977; and from that union was born one daughter. Bill had a strong connection to his family. Much of his will and strength was tied to his comradely with his brothers, sisters, and children. It is no surprise that when he made his transition June 13, 2012 at 1:52 p.m., it was in the presence of his love ones, after a courageous battle with lung cancer. To cherish his memory, he leaves one daughter, Dana Adams of Chicago, IL; two sons, Anthony Sr. (Gwen) Adams of Beloit, WI; and David Hill of Starkville, MS. Two stepdaughters, Sharon Jackson of South Beloit, IL; Jocklin Jackson of Milwaukee, WI; one stepson Ian Jarrett of Dallas, TX. Four brothers, Jackson (Almer) Adams, John (Selma) Adams, Willie (Peggy) Adams of Beloit, WI; and Matthew (Pearl) Adams of Etta, MS. Three sisters, Essie Adams, Ada Adams and Sallie Adams of Beloit, WI. One sister-in-law, Jessie Adams. Six grandchildren, Jaliah Adams, Jasmine Adams, Anthony Adams Jr. of Beloit; David Hill Jr., Devin Hill, and Kena Hill of Starkville, MS. One great-grandson Dereon of Beloit, WI. Three Aunts and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends. Special love ones Maxine Hill of Oxford, MS; and Adrienne Fitts of Chicago, IL. He was predeceased by his parents, two sisters, Arlilla Wilson and Arlevia Adams, one brother Luke Adams and one nephew Kerwin Adams.
Published in Chicago Sun-Times on July 4, 2012
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