Obituary for Willie Elizabeth Loftin (Adams)
Willie Elizabeth Adams Loftin began her life as an exceptional gift to her parents, the late Lemiah and
Julie Core Adams on September 1, 1934, in Wayne County, North Carolina, Willie discarded the clothing
of her temporal, earthy body for the clothing of her eternal, heavenly body on March 2023.
As the third oldest child in her large family, Willie quickly developed as a leader and role model to her
younger siblings. Willie was never satisfied with mediocre performance but worked hard to excel in
everything she endeavored. She encouraged and inspired other to reach for the highest standards.
Willie was uniquely designed to improve the lives of many, especially in the African American
community. Unequivocally, Willie sparkled with poise and confidence as she strutted lively along her
life’s runway, perfectly modeling the latest haute couture of public service.
Divinely orchestrated, Willie was equipped for her extraordinary life of service. She graduated from
Central High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1952, receiving the honor of Valedictorian where
she also enjoyed popularity as a cheerleader.
Continuing her education, Willie graduated from North Carolina College, in Durham, North Carolina, in
1956. The school was renamed North Carolina Central University, where she specialized in Clothing and
Textile. Upon graduation, Willie became a Home Economics teacher at Frink High School , in Grange,
North Carolina and at Ann Chestnut High School in the Cumberland County School System for a number
of years.
Most notably, after college graduation Willie married her high school sweetheart, Leonza Loftin, in July
1955. Willie and Leonza relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina in December 1960 and became
members of College Heights Presbyterian Church in the 1960’s when the late Robert A. Massey was
pastor. Willie and Leonza renewed their vows with this church family om their 25 th and 43 rd
Anniversaries.
Willie served as a College Heights’ Sunday School Teacher at the junior high level for one year prior to
1965. She held the office of Recording Secretary for the Sunday Night Women’s Circle for 20 years,
1995-2015. Willie was a member of the Voices of Inspiration Choir, 1983-2010. She served as Moderator
for Presbyterian Women for 2 years and was also secretary. Willie also served as Deacon and Elder at
College Heights for several years.
Willie also played an active role in her community through the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority where she
received a Lifetime Membership Award. She also held active membership with the Links, Inc.
Willie’s second career as a Home Economist was at the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service,
1970-1995. During this time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Clothing and Textile from East Carolina
University in Greenville, North Carolina. Willie traveled extensively in the U.S. for annual developmental training in her area.
Willie primary legacy was not just clothing and construction but the nurture of self-worth and high self-
esteem to those who needed to overcome a history of poverty, prejudice, poor education and social
rejection. Willie epitomized that when your inner self shines, the outer self can shine too, through low-
cost, well-constructed clothing, proper accessories, well-groomed hair and make-up. She always
encouraged a strong work ethic and putting your best foot forward, even in adversity.
Most significantly, Willie clothed herself with the inner beauty of kindness and generosity. She lavishly
bestowed her time, talents and treasures upon those she encountered, especially her family. Truly, she
was a vision of elegance and grace, as Maya Angelou would describe a Phenomenon Woman!
Willie was preceded in death by her daughter Sharon Loftin Rivera and her siblings Amelia Adams Jones,
Robert Joseph Adams.
Willie’s spirit continues to live devoted and loving husband of 60 plus years Leonza Loftin, two sons;
Eldred Veron Loftin (Ron), Orrin K. Loftin, grandchildren: Roberto Rivera, Ashley and Maya Loftin,
Brittany Lennon, Jaute Loftin, Procassius Loftin; siblings; Annie Belle McDonald, Billy Adams, Winston C.
Adams, Marvin Adams, Jewel A. Braswell, Pamela A. Hudson, a host nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.
Julie Core Adams on September 1, 1934, in Wayne County, North Carolina, Willie discarded the clothing
of her temporal, earthy body for the clothing of her eternal, heavenly body on March 2023.
As the third oldest child in her large family, Willie quickly developed as a leader and role model to her
younger siblings. Willie was never satisfied with mediocre performance but worked hard to excel in
everything she endeavored. She encouraged and inspired other to reach for the highest standards.
Willie was uniquely designed to improve the lives of many, especially in the African American
community. Unequivocally, Willie sparkled with poise and confidence as she strutted lively along her
life’s runway, perfectly modeling the latest haute couture of public service.
Divinely orchestrated, Willie was equipped for her extraordinary life of service. She graduated from
Central High School in Goldsboro, North Carolina in 1952, receiving the honor of Valedictorian where
she also enjoyed popularity as a cheerleader.
Continuing her education, Willie graduated from North Carolina College, in Durham, North Carolina, in
1956. The school was renamed North Carolina Central University, where she specialized in Clothing and
Textile. Upon graduation, Willie became a Home Economics teacher at Frink High School , in Grange,
North Carolina and at Ann Chestnut High School in the Cumberland County School System for a number
of years.
Most notably, after college graduation Willie married her high school sweetheart, Leonza Loftin, in July
1955. Willie and Leonza relocated to Fayetteville, North Carolina in December 1960 and became
members of College Heights Presbyterian Church in the 1960’s when the late Robert A. Massey was
pastor. Willie and Leonza renewed their vows with this church family om their 25 th and 43 rd
Anniversaries.
Willie served as a College Heights’ Sunday School Teacher at the junior high level for one year prior to
1965. She held the office of Recording Secretary for the Sunday Night Women’s Circle for 20 years,
1995-2015. Willie was a member of the Voices of Inspiration Choir, 1983-2010. She served as Moderator
for Presbyterian Women for 2 years and was also secretary. Willie also served as Deacon and Elder at
College Heights for several years.
Willie also played an active role in her community through the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority where she
received a Lifetime Membership Award. She also held active membership with the Links, Inc.
Willie’s second career as a Home Economist was at the North Carolina Agricultural Extension Service,
1970-1995. During this time, she earned her Master’s Degree in Clothing and Textile from East Carolina
University in Greenville, North Carolina. Willie traveled extensively in the U.S. for annual developmental training in her area.
Willie primary legacy was not just clothing and construction but the nurture of self-worth and high self-
esteem to those who needed to overcome a history of poverty, prejudice, poor education and social
rejection. Willie epitomized that when your inner self shines, the outer self can shine too, through low-
cost, well-constructed clothing, proper accessories, well-groomed hair and make-up. She always
encouraged a strong work ethic and putting your best foot forward, even in adversity.
Most significantly, Willie clothed herself with the inner beauty of kindness and generosity. She lavishly
bestowed her time, talents and treasures upon those she encountered, especially her family. Truly, she
was a vision of elegance and grace, as Maya Angelou would describe a Phenomenon Woman!
Willie was preceded in death by her daughter Sharon Loftin Rivera and her siblings Amelia Adams Jones,
Robert Joseph Adams.
Willie’s spirit continues to live devoted and loving husband of 60 plus years Leonza Loftin, two sons;
Eldred Veron Loftin (Ron), Orrin K. Loftin, grandchildren: Roberto Rivera, Ashley and Maya Loftin,
Brittany Lennon, Jaute Loftin, Procassius Loftin; siblings; Annie Belle McDonald, Billy Adams, Winston C.
Adams, Marvin Adams, Jewel A. Braswell, Pamela A. Hudson, a host nieces, nephews, cousins and
friends.