Janice Ann Adams, 77, of East Peoria, passed away on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 at Carle Health Methodist Hospital.

Janice was born on December 23, 1946 to the late Ray W. and Beatrice M. (Diveley) Davis in Taylorville, IL. She married Gary Russell Adams on March 14, 1969 in Vandalia, IL. He survives.

Also surviving are her son, Shawn M. Adams of Chillicothe, IL; her fraternal twin, Judith S. (William) Engelberg of New Franklin, MO; and her sister Phyllis R. (Ray) Blair of Green Valley, AZ.

Janice graduated with a Bachelors of Arts in English Education from Greenville College in 1969 and began her teaching career as a student teacher at Effingham High School. She and her husband moved to Peoria, and she substitute-taught at various schools around the county until a permanent position became available at Bartonville Grade School in 1970. At Bartonville, Janice taught junior high English and Grammar and also served on various educational committees in Peoria County until her retirement in 2008. In teaching, she was committed to preparing her students for their next level of education and beyond. Throughout the years, Janice repeatedly encountered mature adults that she had taught and would remember their names and what years they had been in her classes. Janice was passionate about teaching the Language Arts and was loved by her students for her cheerful personality and her dedication to their education.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a Methodist organization of the donor's choice or to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation rites will be accorded. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024 from 4:00-6:00 pm at Deiters Funeral Home in Washington.