DeWanna Nell Holloway Adams

DeWanna Nell Holloway Adams, 80, died following a lengthy illness on Monday, April 17, 2023.

“Miss Dee,” as she was known, graduated from Crowville High School in Crowville and attended Northeast Louisiana State College and earned her degree in elementary education. After beginning her teaching career, Dee met and married Bob Adams, and they raised five children. Dee loved working with children, both in the school setting and beyond. She was a driving force behind the creation of the Rayville Swim Team and directed local swim meets during the 1970s. She was a member of several civic organizations and also enjoyed teaching Vacation Bible School and volunteering at Rhymes Memorial Library.

During her teaching career Miss Dee taught a variety of subjects, but she found her passion in teaching elementary physical education and in coaching the Rayville High School Stingers dance team. As a teacher and a coach, Miss Dee will be remembered for treating all children as if they were her own. During her retirement Dee taught pre-school children at First Baptist Church and became a member of the Richland Parish School Board for a number of years, but her greatest joy was in spending time with her grandchildren.

Dee was preceded in death by her parents, Hermon Holloway and Irene Netherland; her husband, Bob Adams; and their son, Robbie Adams.

She leaves behind her two sons: Charles Adams and wife, Mary Ellen, and Chad Adams and wife, Angela; two daughters, Margie Bigham and husband, Sam, and Melissa Wooley and husband, Steve. 

She also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Henry Rose, Kelsey Adams, Shelton Wooley, Haylie Adams, Bailey Woodward, Madison Wooley, Hayden Adams and Keaton Adams; along with seven great grandchildren.  

Dee was also much loved by a host of nieces and nephews.  She has left footprints on the hearts of her many friends who knew her and loved her.

Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Thursday, April 20, 2023, in the sanctuary of the First Baptist Church of Rayville, followed by a memorial service at 11 a.m. which will be officiated by the Reverend Johnny Hoychick.

The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the nurses and staff of both Colonial Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Ascend Hospice Care for the excellent care they provided for Miss Dee. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dee’s memory may be made either to The Alzheimer’s Association or The Parkinson’s Foundation. 

Condolences may be left at brownholleyfuneralhomes.com.