Reverend Deborah Ann Adams, 56, died Tuesday, April 22, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute. She was born in Erie, Pa. on November 22, 1951, a daughter of Sylvester and Allie Smith. Deborah graduated from Strong Vincent High School and attended Penn State Behrend to pursue a teaching degree that was interrupted by her illness.

She worked in Domestic Relations of Erie County for over 25 years. She was a life long member and associate minister of St. James AME Church. Deborah was also a devoted wife, daughter, mother, and grandmother. Deborah was preceded in death by her grandmother, Gaynell Buggs.

In addition to her parents, survivors include her husband and partner of 38 years, Carl Michael Adams; three children, Michael Adams (Veronica) of Killeen, Texas, Marques Adams, (Sonya), and Darrylanne Adams, all of Erie; a step-daughter, Carla Adams Nixon, also of Erie; nine grandchildren, Brianna, Michael Jr., of Killeen Texas, Dante, Alexis, Serena, Marques Jr., Darryl, Jordan, and David, all of Erie; and one great-grandson, Dante, Jr., also of Erie. Deborah is also survived by her brother and sister, Ronald and Pamela Smith; as well as by many nieces , nephews and cousins.

Friends are invited to call at the Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 W. 10th St., on Monday from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Services will be held there on Tuesday at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Jon S. Goshay officiating. Burial will be in Laurel Hill Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to the Roswell Park Cancer Institute/ Breast Cancer Research, Elm and Carlton St., Buffalo, NY 14263.