Venita Gwendolyn Tunnell Adams, 91, of Denton, formerly of Abilene, peacefully soared to her heavenly home Saturday, June 17, 2017, with her family at her bed side.  She was born in Ranger Texas to Buford Alvan Tunnell and Venita Adelia Daniels Tunnell.

She married David Leon Adams on June 21, 1946. He preceded her in death in 2002. They were active, long-time members of St. Paul U.M.C. in Abilene, Texas.

She graduated from Hardin Simmons University concurrently with her daughter, Susan, in 1972.  She was a teacher of English Arts at St. John Episcopal School in Abilene, and was a gifted pianist who performed and accompanied singers and choirs from the age of four. With her husband, David, she was on the founding board of the Abilene Philharmonic Association.  She was also active with the Abilene Opera Association and the Adult Literacy Foundation, as well as March of Dimes.  She enjoyed many other philanthropic services as well, in addition to serving as a Field Manager for Field Enterprises.

She is survived by daughters, Dana Adams Gibson and husband John Wesley Gibson of Richardson; Susan Adams-O'Rear of Denton with whom she lived and loved for the final four years of her earthly life; Lisa Adams O'Rear and husband Terry O'Rear of Farmers Branch; 7 grandchildren, 6 grand children-in-law and love, and 13 great grandchildren.

A celebration service of her life here and her new life will be held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 21, 2017 in the Chapel of DeBerry Funeral Directors with burial following at Evergreen Cemetery in Ranger, TX.