Mary Ellen Adams (Baier)

Birmingham – Mary Ellen Adams (86) of Birmingham, Alabama (formerly of Paxton) was called home by Jesus on December 10, 2022 at Brookwood Baptist Hospital in Birmingham after a short illness.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 1 p.m. at Baier Family Funeral Services in Paxton, Illinois. Visitation will be immediately preceding the memorial service starting at 10 a.m. Interment will be at Maplewood Cemetery in Rantoul.

Mary was born in Cissna Park, Illinois on January 16, 1936, the daughter of Carl and Grace Baier. She married James (Jim) W. Adams on July 13, 1958. They were married for 41 years until his passing in 2000.  Jim and Mary had 2 sons, Bradley (Cindy) Adams of Birmingham, Alabama and Brian (Michele) Adams of Maryville, Tennessee and 4 grandchildren, Scott (Morgan), Eric, Gage (Maddie) and Grace.

Mary was a member of the Maranatha Baptist Church in Rantoul.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and 6 brothers and sisters; Kenneth, Marceille, Evelyn, Maurice, Lawrence and Carl Jr.

Mary graduated from Paxton High School in 1954 where she was a cheerleader. She was an avid sports fan, particularly when her sons, her grandchildren or the Illini were involved. Following high school, Mary attended Stetson University in Deland, Florida and later graduated from the Miami Academy of Cosmetology. Mary was a Professional Hair Stylist/Beautician for many years in Paxton. Jim and Mary raised their family in Paxton where they were both very involved within the community. As a couple, Jim and Mary liked to dance and they could really cut a rug back in the day. Mary was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Ludlow.

Mary loved the Lord and carried a servant's heart with her always. She took great pleasure in administering aid and comfort to others. After Jim's passing, Mary moved to Rantoul in 2003 and Fisher in 2014 before moving to Birmingham in 2017. In her latter years, Mary spent her time observing and feeding the abundant wildlife present on the lake where she lived, including her favorite Trumpeter Swan, Cheddar.

Memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.   Condolences and memories can be shared with the family at www.baierfuneralservices.com.