Barbara Jean (Knight) Adams, 78, of Patoka passed away Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at SSM Health St Mary's Hospital in Centralia. She was born on December 21, 1942 the daughter of Russell Sr. and Dorothy Virginia (Morgan) Knight in Sandborn, IN at their home. She married Paul Wesley Adams on March 14, 1964 in Mascoutah and he preceded her in death on October 20, 2018. Those that will always remember Barbara's strong family ties include her beloved children, Bill Downen, wife Tamara of Lowell, IN, Bryan Downen of Centralia, Greg Adams, wife LeeAnn of Corley IN, Robyn Rohrscheib, husband Billy of Odin, Paula Jean Conrad, husband Ken of Kilgore, TX, Pamela Adams of Patoka, and Misty Cain of Patoka; cherished grandchildren, Rebecca Downen, significant other Dillian Hammock, Shelby Downen, fiancé Chris Becerra, Dru Downen, fiancé Logan Paterson, Zachary Downen, fiancée Katie Aiello, Alisha Diaber, Travis Dutton, wife Kelly, Alan Dutton, Holly Dutton, Amber Rohrscheib, significant other Mike Alcorn, Shawn Rohrscheib, Ashley Rohrscheib, significant other Adam Robke, Stephanie Lee Pickett, husband Josh, Tiffanie Leeann Burks-Cathey, husband Eric, Kyler Sargent, Gavin Kenneth Paul Finke, significant other Miranda Canada, Shane Wesley Cain wife Nicole, Ty Paul Cain, Wade William Cain, Kru Fielding Cain, and Khloe Dawn Cain; 24 precious great-grandchildren and expecting 1 great-grand baby in February; brothers, Russell Knight Jr, wife Denise of Vandalia, Everett Knight, wife Lian of Gainesville, FL, Gerald Knight, wife Terry of Panama, IL; sisters-in-law, Jane Adams of Patoka, Gwen Knight of Walshville, IL; brother-in-law, Jack Adams, wife Erma of Edgewood; son-in-law, Kevin Cain of Patoka; and several beloved nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Mrs. Adams was preceded in death by both her parents; husband of 54 years, Paul Adams; grandchildren, Jarrad Wesley Adams, and Leric Cathey; and sister, Bonna June Knight.

Barbara was a faithful member of the Patoka Pentecostal Church where she served as a Sunday school teacher, was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary, and worshiped the Lord while singing in the choir. She was a prayer warrior who understood the power of prayer and made it her top priority to pray protection and prosperity for her family every day. Barb was not afraid of hard work and held many positions during her working years. She owned a restaurant in Donaldson where she fed happy diners delicious, homemade meals. In Centralia she worked with many others at the Hollywood Candy Factory. Barb worked as a Patoka school bus driver bringing a kind smile and encouraging words to the kids on her bus. Barb helped people feel beautiful as a beautician, worked for the Patoka Register, was a seamstress and did upholstery. She also shared her compassionate spirit with the patients she cared for as a CNA. Barb was most proud to be a wife, mother, and grandmother, loving how her grandkids called her "Grammie" and "Grandma in Town" and making sure they all had a comfortable, welcoming place to call home at her house. Her hospitality reached out to everyone she knew, as she never met a stranger, always had a kind word to share. To know Barb was to know her love of animals, as every stray around her house could attest to. Closest to her heart was her cherished fur baby, her dog Ginger who was never lacking attention and couldn't have been more spoiled. She loved to feed the birds and was excited to see the first hummingbird of the season come to her feeder. Barb had a green thumb when it came to flower gardening and her home was brightened every summer by the beauty of her flowers. She enjoyed painting and crocheting.  She liked to enjoy a good meal out to eat with family and friends, but her family loved her home cooked meals where everything was made with love from scratch. She was fierce and gentle, beautiful, and strong and her life was a delight to all who knew her. Barb's character will live on each day in all the best parts of her family and friends and she will never be forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held at 10:00 A.M. Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Patoka Pentecostal Church in Patoka at 209 S Walnut St, Patoka, IL 62875 with Pastor Richard French and Rev Sam Hester officiating. Interment will follow at the Patoka City Cemetery in Patoka. Visiting hours will be held from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. Saturday, December 11, 2021 at the Patoka Pentecostal Church in Patoka and 9:00A.M. Sunday, December 12, 2021 at the Church in Patoka until the time of funeral service.  Memorials may be made in Barbara's honor to the Family's Wishes in Patoka and will be accepted at the funeral home. Day Macz Funeral Home in Patoka is honored to be in charge of arrangements. Online condolences and memories of Barbara may be shared with the family by visiting www.maczfuneralhomes.com and/or on the funeral home's Facebook page.