The Generous Giver

"Give freely and become wealthier; be stingy and lose everything. The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.

Proverbs 11: 24-25 New Living Translation NLT

Eloise Claudine Adams, also known as "Elo", "Weezie", "PeeWee" and, "World's Oldest Teenager was born July 13, 1949 to the late Carrie Reed and Earnie Adams Jr. in Hot Springs, AR. She was the eldest of three children. Her early childhood was spent with her beloved grandparents, Earnie Adams Sr. (Papa) and Claudine Adams (Grannie). Eloise always spoke of her grandparents with great pride for the opportunities and adventures they afforded her during her childhood and adolescence years. Yet she cherished being a part of her mother's large group of nieces and nephews whom she loved spending time with as a child and an adult. Family and friends were always an important part of Eloise's life.

Her early years of education began at St. Gabriel and Goldstein Elementary School. When Eloise started high school, she moved to Pine Bluff, AR to live with Aunt Della Phipps (Grannie's sister) and cousins. There she attended Townsend Park Jr. High and High School and graduated in the class of 1967. Upon graduation she attended Agricultural Mechanical & Normal College AM&N (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff) where she received a degree in education with emphasis in Reading and Social Studies. Living in Pine Bluff, AR brought Eloise her life's greatest joys; her daughter, Stefanie and son Earnie (who was named after her Dad and Papa) she also gained work ethics that would follow her throughout her lifetime. Eloise did not begin teaching immediately after graduating, but pursued jobs in various industries that provided her with a wealth of knowledge that she would use in her teaching career and her zeal for learning. By the time Earnie was a toddler, Papa and Grannie wanted Eloise to relocate back to Hot Springs, AR so they could assist her with her children (spoil them).

Eloise loved teaching, she began her teaching career with the Hot Springs School District #6 teaching reading at St. Michael's school and then she would spend the next twenty-eight years at Central Jr. High, Southwest Jr. High, and Hot Springs Middle School where she retired.  During those years she taught Reading, Social Studies, Computer Technology, and other assigned subjects. To be the best in any subject she taught, she took more classes to obtain other degrees and certifications so that she would be highly qualified in any area she taught. Not only did she teach, she also participated in after-school programs within the community for many years including summers. She also sponsored/co-sponsored various extracurricular school organizations throughout her career.

"Elo" loved her community. Because she loved the community and wanted to be a silent changer, she pursued organizations that allowed her to help make change. She was a graduate of Hot Springs Citizen Police Academy Class 12, member of the Hot Springs Planning Communion, Vice-President of Garland County Retired Teacher Association, Past President of Gateway Neighborhood Community Association, and the Democratic Party of Hot Springs. Her concern was always to make a difference as a servant and giver, generously giving of her time and talents. Talents' she had lots of them.  Unearthing the soil to bring forth beautiful flowers, trees, fruits, vegetables, whatever could be produced, Eloise gave it her best shot to make it grow. Not only did she love dirt, she loved cutting grass, chopping down trees, bushes, hauling the debris away in her truck was an adrenaline rush for her when she stood back and watched what she had accomplished. She loved crafting, sewing, and her tech gadgets. Lowe's, Best Buy, and QVC were her favorite stores/pastimes.

No greater friend then, any of us could have had than Eloise. Whenever we needed her, she was always there. She lived a life of generosity because her heart delighted in the Lord and His people.

Eloise was predeceased by her aforementioned, mother, father, grandparents, and sister, Sandra K. McKenzie.

Eloise's well cherished life will be everlasting in the heart and mind of her daughter, Stefanie and son-in-law Rev. Eddie Harrow, Camden, AR; son Earnie Tyrone Bauknight, Hot Springs, AR; daughter,  Tatiyona Jenkins, Pine Bluff, AR; brother, Tom Myles of Hot Springs, AR; aunt, Helen Greene of Camden, AR; grandson, Xion Humphrey of Pine Bluff, AR; niece, Alicia McKenzie, Houston, TX; sister/cousin Phyllis Reed-Braggs; cousins, Lacolis, Larry, Michael, Deborah, Dennis, Karen and Charlotte of the Reed family, Bobby and Carol of the Fields family, Roderick, Angela and Eric of the Greene family and Adrienne Conley;   her special friends/family, Janice Davis, Adriane Hines, Mary Wilson, Leslie Barron, Barbara L. Cooper and,  Karen/Walter Holley. She also leaves extended family and friends.

A memorial celebration will be held 10:00 AM, Saturday, February 9, 20129 at Cottrell Chapel C.M.E. Church, 698 East Grand Ave, Hot Springs, AR.

Guest registry is at http://www.carriganmemorial.com .

Arrangements are entrusted to Carrigan Memorial Funeral Services.

OBITUARY SUBMITTED BY FAMILY & FRIENDS