Clara Frances Adams, lovingly known as Frankie, 84, of China Grove, North Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on September 24, 2026, peacefully at her home.

Born on May 21, 1942, Frankie lived a life beautifully centered around her faith, her family, and her love for others.

For 64 years, she shared life and marriage with her beloved husband, Derald Frederick Adams, who was by her side through the many seasons of their life together.

Frankie was a devoted stay-at-home mother and a pastor’s wife. Kind, gentle, and deeply loving, she found her greatest joy in Jesus, sharing His love, and loving people. She had a rare gift for making others feel seen, cared for, and encouraged. She seemed to know what people needed—even when they didn’t know how to ask—and she was an encourager and helper in every sense of the word.

Her family was truly one of the greatest joys of her life. She treasured every moment with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and the love she had for them was evident in all that she did.

Her radiant smile reflected the beautiful spirit she carried within, and those blessed to know Frankie understood just how special that smile was.

Frankie shared her love and creativity in so many ways. She enjoyed sewing, arts and crafts, and cooking, often expressing her love through the things she made with her own hands. She and Derald loved to travel, visiting family and friends and discovering the beautiful places where their loved ones lived and where they made memories together.

Her love for Jesus was woven into the fabric of her everyday life. She loved reading books that taught her more about love and helped her learn how to love Jesus more deeply and share Him with others. Her Bible was a treasured companion, and it was common to find her notes, thoughts, and reflections throughout its pages—a glimpse into a heart continually seeking to know and follow her Savior.

Frankie leaves behind a legacy not simply of memories, but of love, faith, kindness, encouragement, and a life devoted to others. The love she gave so freely will continue through the family and friends she cherished.

She is survived by her beloved husband of 64 years, Derald Frederick Adams; her son, Todd F. Adams, and his wife, Rosemarie Adams; her daughters, Tracie E. Ferko and her husband, Gary Ferko, and Anna A. Sherrill and her husband, Michael Sherrill. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rusty Johnson, Nick Adams and Violette Adams, Matthew Johnson, Nina Adams Bussy and her husband Gabriel Bussy,
Peyton Bernal and her husband Hector Bernal, and Callie Bernal and her husband Aquiles Bernal; and her great-grandchildren, Rosemarie Adams, Harmon Sneigon, and Sofia Bernal. She is also survived by her brother, Larry Casey, and Bill and Linda Anthony, Douglas and Helen Anthony, Scott Anthony, Cathy Anthony, Debbie Anthony, and Dennis Anthony.

Frankie was preceded in death by her parents, Clara and Carter Anthony and George Casey, and her siblings, Punch Anthony, Judy Anthony, and Grant Anthony.

Those who knew Frankie will remember her gentle spirit, radiant smile, helping hands, creative heart, and, above all, her unwavering love for Jesus and for people. She spent her life teaching those around her what it looks like to love—not only with words, but through countless quiet acts of kindness. Her family was her joy. Jesus was her life. Love was her gift.

Though she will be profoundly missed, her family takes comfort in knowing that Frankie is now with the One she loved so dearly and spent her life sharing with others. Her earthly journey is complete, but the love she planted in so many hearts will continue to grow for generations to come.

Carolina Cremation is assisting the Adams family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremation.com.