Lila Branks Adams

Lila Branks Adams, wife of the late Charles Robert Adams (“Bob”), passed away peacefully at the age of 90, on Saturday, October 12, 2024. She is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Sue Adams Hagood (Johnson) of Melbourne, Florida; son, Charles Robert Adams, Jr. (Susann), of Columbia, South Carolina; eight grandchildren, Marghretta Hagood Shisko(Seabrook), James Holloway Hagood (Brittany), Ella Francesca Hagood, Branks Sullivan Hagood, Strachan Small Hagood, Pinckney Adams, Julie Ann Adams, and Caroline Adams; and four great-grandchildren: Gianna Grace Badinger (June 14, 2011), daughter of Holloway and Brittany Hagood; Edward Seabrook Shisko, Jr. (February 18, 2017) and Johnson Hagood Shisko (July 17, 2019), sons of Marghretta and Seabrook Shisko; and Penelope Legare Hagood (December 14, 2017), daughter of Sullivan Hagood and of Meghan and Kyle O’Keefe.

Lila was born April 15, 1934, in Charleston, South Carolina, and she attended Rivers High School. One of the six children of the late Charles Walter and Caroline Kuck Branks, Lila grew up on Elizabeth Street in Charleston, where she later raised her own family with Bob. Lila spent her childhood with her five siblings, Charles, Greta, Vivian, Helen, and Johnny, and she was especially close with her younger sister, the late Helen Branks Smoak. In the summers, the children escaped the heat in Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Lila and Bob continued that tradition with their grandchildren, spending many summers with them exploring the mountains of Western North Carolina. The six Branks siblings continued to remain close throughout their lives, often gathering together with their many children and, later, their many grandchildren as well.

Lila lived a long, full life, and she loved her family dearly. Nothing made her happier than spending time with her siblings, relatives, and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. During her life, she was especially close with her daughter, Carolyn. For many years, Carolyn, Johnson, and their children lived next door to Bob and Lila, with the Adamses living at 19 Elizabeth Street, and the Hagoods living next door on Charlotte Street. The Hagood children spent much of their childhood with their grandparents, running next door to play with their grandparents, eat in Grandma’s kitchen, do puzzles on the dining room table, and have pillow fights in the upstairs bedrooms. When Bob had to travel the East Coast for work, Lila and one or more of the grandchildren frequently accompanied them. After Carolyn and Johnson moved to Folly Beach, Bob and Lila continued to remain close with their grandchildren, coming over for regular family dinners and babysitting when Carolyn and Johnson were out of town.

A lifelong member of St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Charleston, Lila loved to spend her Sunday mornings at church, after which she would catch up with friends and family in the courtyard. Nothing made her happier than socializing with the people she loved, and she especially loved sharing a meal and enjoying the company of her beloved friends and family.

Lila was also a model of resilience. She was a rock for her family and friends during tough times, and she held strongly to her faith. She was no stranger to challenges, but 2016 was a particularly difficult year for her when she lost four of her siblings in quick succession, including her dear sister Helen, as well as her husband and lifelong companion, Bob. After losing her husband and moving to the Canterbury House, Lila continued to remain close with her family and friends, and she enjoyed frequently going out to eat with her three grandsons, her longtime friend Sylvia Cline, and other relatives who kept up with her.

Lila never forgot a birthday, anniversary, or other special occasion, and she always remembered to call her loved ones and wish them well. She spoke with her daughter, Carolyn, on the phone every day until her death, and she loved to hear (and talk) about the lives of her many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. It was not uncommon to find yourself in the midst of a long conversation with Lila, during which she would say, “well, let me let you go,” and then she would launch into some other topic of conversation. Her friends and family will miss those conversations and Lila dearly.

Lila’s Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.