MILDRED ELIZABETH GOFF ADAMS

February 17, 2021

2 Timothy 4:7  “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Mildred Elizabeth Goff Adams, age 102, went home to Heaven peacefully on February 11, 2021 at The Laurels Retirement and Assisted Living Facility in Norton, VA. 

Mildred was born January 12, 1919 in Andover, Virginia. She graduated from Appalachia High School and attended Ohio State School of Nursing in Columbus, Ohio. During World War II, she lived in Los Angeles, California where she worked at Union Station while her husband was stationed in Guam. They enjoyed traveling across the country from California to their forever home in Appalachia where they started a family. Mildred was a member of The Presbyterian Church of Appalachia/Big Stone Gap.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas and Della Elizabeth Ring Goff; her sister, Margaret Grindstaff and twin brothers, Elmer and Delmer Goff; her husband, Fitzhugh Lee Adams; and their beloved daughter, Virginia “Jennie” Lee Adams.

Mildred loved her family, faithful friends, and neighbors. She thought of others above herself. She was the caregiver of her mother, husband, and daughter until their deaths. She lived a Godly life and enjoyed going to church and studying the Bible. Mildred loved to drive and enjoyed traveling and shopping. She was the historian and cornerstone of her family. Mildred was thoughtful, had a wonderful sense of humor and an adventurous spirit. She was a strong-willed person who survived two pandemics. She was born during the Spanish Flu Pandemic of 1918 and survived COVID-19 in October 2020.

Mildred is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Jerrie Adams and Donald Grubb of Big Stone Gap; her grandson, Bradley Adam Francis of Wise; her granddaughter, Amanda Beth Francis and Kevin Mabe, and great-grandson, Alexander David Upchurch of West Jefferson, NC.  She also leaves behind special nieces and nephews, Debbie and David Harrison, Tommy and Peggy Grindstaff, Kim and Chris Thompson, Keith and Nancy Goff, Kevin Goff, Mark Goff, Diane Woolard, and their extended families. 

The family would like to say a special thank you to the following:

Melissa Emershaw, her very special long-time caregiver who is like a member of the family.

The staff at The Laurels for taking such good care of her for the last four years.

Hospice & Palliative Care of Norton, VA for assisting her and her family with transition.

Rev. Ronnie Mutter, and Rev. Jeff Sams for their spiritual care.

A multitude of friends and neighbors in her precious hometown of Appalachia.     

 Due to COVID-19 and in consideration of the health and safety of others, a homegoing graveside service will be held on Saturday, February 13 at Glencoe Cemetery Mausoluem Chapel in Big Stone Gap at 11 a.m. officiated by Rev. Ronnie Mutter.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Mildred’s honor to Hospice & Palliative Care of Norton or The Health Wagon of Wise. 

Roy A. Green Funeral Home in Appalachia is in charge of arrangements.