Alice Adams-Fennessey (91) of Effingham

Alice Jean (Phillips) Adams-Fennessey, 91, of Effingham, Illinois made her transition to her Heavenly Home to meet her Savior, on Friday, November 27th, 2020.

A public graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Effingham. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

Due to Covid-19 concerns, please wear a mask for all services and follow all social distancing guidelines.

Memorials may be made to Stand Up For Grace (funds are directed to the By Grace Disabled and Orphans Centre in Kayole, Kenya). Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.

Alice was the first child born to Frank and Velma Phillips of Sailor Springs, IL, on July 12th,1929. She moved to Effingham soon after high school to become the church secretary at the First Baptist Church in Effingham, IL. There she went on to meet the man she would marry, Robert Lee Adams, (Bob), that served as a deacon of the church. She also taught Sunday School for the women’s class at the church as well.

Bob and Alice had Dixie Cream Donuts built on Keller Drive in Effingham in 1964. Bob made the donuts and Alice was always there helping sell and serve the donuts, and she enjoyed interacting with all of the customers. She loved to tell people about Jesus and all He could do for them and how He could enrich their lives. She would take those in need of prayer to the back room, as busy as the shop always was, and pray beautiful prayers for them. She had such a kind, caring, and loving heart.

Another one of Alice’s greatest joys was playing the piano. She became the church pianist in her hometown at a young age and was the church pianist in many churches she attended until her hands would no longer allow her to, up until only a few months ago. She also played for many gatherings and it always seemed to put a smile on everyone’s face. She had a beautiful style all of her own.

Bob passed in 2000. Then in 2001, she married Tim Fennessey. They enjoyed 11 wonderful years together until he went to be with the Lord in 2012. She gained two wonderful step-daughters through this marriage that blessed her life immensely. They both continued to keep in touch with her and blessed her all the way into her final days.

She was a blessing to everyone in her family and so many more.

Alice is survived by her daughters, Deborah Phillips of Effingham and Dianne Smith (Dave) of Champaign; grandchildren, Stacy Koester of Effingham, Micah Smith (Chaney) of Rantoul; great-grandchildren, Jade Koester, Luke Koester, Elijah Smith, Joshua Smith, and Jordan Smith; 4 step-great-grandchildren; sister, Erma Bryan (Bill) of Naperville; brother, Aaron Phillips (Sondra) of Belleville; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husbands, Bob and Tim; and daughter, Janie.