Joyce E. Adams

Joyce E. Adams, age 78, of Cambridge Springs, passed away peacefully on December 31, 2025 at home. Born on July 9, 1947, Joyce was the middle daughter of the late Eleanor (Rose) Stuck and Elmer Gnagi.

She was a proud graduate of General McLane High School, class of 1965. Her positive outlook remained strong through her adversities and health conditions. She was an ultimate warrior and an extremely resilient woman, one who lived through much, asked for little, and was loved by all. Throughout her life she demonstrated bravery, strength and faith. Her compassion for others, especially children, was an inspiration. Her love of children was reflected by her involvement as a Cub Scout Den Leader, Crawford Conty Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer, serving on the board of Big Brothers/Big Sisters, foster mother, and as a volunteer at Cambridge Springs Elementary School. With deep faith, she taught Sunday School at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church for over 50 years and led the Christian Education Committee for many years. She was a communion celebrant and also delivered communion to shut-ins, nursing homes and hospitals. Her adventuresome spirit propelled her into ziplining in Costa Rica, piloting lessons, white water rafting, skydiving, water and snow skiing, pole and belly dancing, kayaking, motorcycle lessons, and getting a tattoo. She did not have a bucket list!

She was involved in Community projects and often enlisted her granddaughters in the projects of placing flags on veteran’s graves, painting local fire hydrants, working at foodbank distribution, ringing the Salvation Army bell, teaching Sunday school, and assisting in fundraisers. Joyce was awarded the Mercy Center for Women’s Dynamic Dozen “Women Making History” recognition. She was a former Notary Public. Joyce retired as an Administrative Assistant and International Shipping Coordinator for Knox Western, Erie.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Adams, brother-in-law Floyd Lawrence and grandson Kevin Beish. Joyce was especially devoted and connected to her older sister, Judy Lawrence. They enjoyed a particularly close and loving relationship that spanned their entire lives until Judy’s death in 2020.

Survivors include her beloved son, Michael (Robin) Billings of Cambridge Springs and David (Carol) Billings of Kentucky. Grandchildren Kevin Morris, partners in crime granddaughters Jamie and Samantha Billings, Timothy and Steven Billings. She was the loving “GiGi” (great grandmother) to Nova Marzka, Wilder Marzka, Evelyn LeGrand, Summer and Brently Morris, and Aubrey Cross. Also survived by sister Linda Gebhardt of NC, Aunt Doris Wells, Fairview and many nieces, nephews and cousins. She was blessed to have a loving network of church and community friends whom she considered family, especially her neighbors Rob and Brenda Aylsworth.

Per her wishes there will be no viewing. Private services will be at the convenience of the family. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials can be made to Crawford County CASA, 310 Chestnut St., #500, Meadville, PA 16335; St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 25812 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Cambridge Springs, PA 16403; or Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 1645 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16505.