It is with heartfelt emotion that we gather to remember the remarkable life and enduring legacy of Matryd "Jane" T. Adams, who passed away at the age of 86 in Desoto County. Born in Deland, Florida, Jane's journey was grounded in faith, family, and an unwavering commitment to education and community.

Jane's spiritual foundation began early—she was baptized by Rev. Herrington at Southside Baptist Church in Jacksonville in 1947, marking the start of a lifetime devoted to her faith. Upon relocating to Desoto County in 1953, Jane became a beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Arcadia, where her involvement only deepened over the years. Even as she moved to Lee County in 1960 and returned to Desoto County in 1964, her steadfast dedication to church and community never wavered. Jane served as Director of the 2nd Grade Department for children for a decade, participated in the handbell choir, worked in the bus ministry, and contributed her talents to numerous church committees. Her generous spirit and enduring devotion left an indelible mark on all who knew her.

Jane was a passionate educator, dedicating an incredible 46 years to teaching across Lee, Desoto, and Charlotte Counties, with a primary focus on elementary reading education. She was a proud graduate of Florida State University, earning her Bachelor's in 1961, and the University of South Florida, completing her Master of Arts in 1967. Jane believed deeply in the transformative power of learning, sharing her passion not only in traditional classrooms but also through photography classes at Charlotte Vocational-Technical Center. Her commitment to excellence and inspiration was recognized when she was named Teacher of the Year in Charlotte County, Florida.

Her talents extended far beyond teaching. Jane was a gifted writer and photographer, credited with more than 200 published works during the 1980s and 1990s. Her articles appeared in Citrus Industry Magazine, Florida Wildlife, and she authored the monthly column "Focus of Agriculture" for the Southwest Farm & Rancher newspaper in 1995 and 1996. Jane's dedication to advancing literacy was affirmed by her lifetime membership in the International Reading Association.

Jane's roots ran deep in her community and heritage. She was the proud descendant of a pioneering local family, shaped by the values and traditions of her grandparents, Benjamin Franklin Welles Sr. and Viola Appellonia Carlton Welles, and her parents, Matryd Ella Welles Tyree of Arcadia and John "Jack" Oniell Tyree of Deland. Her community involvement included serving as Program Chairman for the L&E Club in 2013-2014, and she remained an active member for many years.

Jane is survived by her loving sister, Cheryl Whenke of North Port, her son Benjamin W. Adams, her daughter Laura A. Fields and son-in-law Keith, her cherished grandson Jacob Robert Adams, and a large circle of extended family and friends who treasured her warmth, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. She was preceded in death by her brother, Neill Tyree.

Jane will be honored and laid to rest at Joshua Creek Cemetery in Arcadia, Florida at 9:30 am on Wednesday, April 29, 2026. Her legacy as an educator, community member, and loving family matriarch lives on in all those whose lives she touched. Jane will be dearly missed and fondly remembered for her commitment to education, her creative spirit, and her relentless pursuit of excellence.

May her memory continue to inspire us all.

A graveside service for Ms. Adams will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, at 9:30am at the Joshua Creek Cemetery.