Joyceleen "Joy" (Kincer) Adams

Joyceleen “Joy” Adams was born December 26, 1941, in Farraday, KY to Graham and Evelyn Kincer of Mayking, KY. Joy transitioned from life to real life on February 2, 2026, at 84 years of age, rejoicing with a heart full of a life well lived. Knowing she was true to herself and her Creator, she was ready for an eternity of Love, Relationship, and Joy.

As the oldest of 10 children, she began early taking care of other people. Joy decided she wanted to be a homemaker and a mother, and she excelled at both when she married the “boy next door” (Paul Dean Adams, US Air-Force) on November 5, 1961.

Joy selflessly created a home for her family wherever their military travels took them, teaching her girls that “home” was more than place; it was being together in a ring of safety, comfort, emotional support and order. She made sure these things were always present for those she loved. Joy was devoted to making her home a haven for anyone who needed it; many benefited from her care. Taking care of people is who she was. It was how she loved... not only her husband and daughters, but her grandparents, parents, in-laws, brothers and sisters, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, neighbors, and strangers.

When Joy saw a need, she tried to meet it. She did not suggest “someone ought to…”; she just did it. All the while encouraging others to be the best versions of themselves. Helping others succeed energized Momma. And she did it well! She was genuinely interested in other people and had an excellent memory. She would remember your name, and your story. That memory of hers lended itself to remarkable bookkeeping and accounting of the family finances and history. Everyone benefited from her organizational skills; they were amazing.

Joy taught one to take care of what was given and share it with others; love God and all that He loves. Choose happiness! Joy’s greatest happiness was her only grandson, Elijah Paul Cox.

Joyceleen’s family included her husband of 64 years, Paul Dean Adams; two daughters; Rhonda Shoemaker (Brian) of Louisville, KY, and Shannon Cox (Ron) of Fishers, IN, and one grandson; Elijah Paul Cox of Fishers, IN.

Joy has 9 siblings, 6 of which survive: Randall Kincer (Bonnie), Stephen Graham Kincer, Carolyn June Short (Jerry), Shelia Faye Kincer, Ladonna Irene Kincer, and Kimberly Sue Miles (Ken).

In addition to her parents, Joy was preceded in death by sisters, Josephine Ritchie (J.R.), and Lana Margaret Fisher (Bobby) ; and brother, Dwight David Kincer.

A Celebration of Joy's Life will be held at 1pm on Saturday, February 28, 2026 in the Cowan Community Center, 81 Sturgil Branch, Whitesburg, KY 41858.

Bussell Family Funerals was entrusted with local arrangements.

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