Lillian L. Adams

For those who would like to view Lil's Funeral Service in its entirety, please click below. http://www.funeralbroadcast.com/view.php?id\=579 Adams, Lillian "Lil" February 5, 2010. Age 75 of Sterling Heights, MI. Beloved mother of Michael Lisa Adams of Arlington, Texas and Brian Adams of Sterling Heights, MI. Dear grandmother of Brigette Adams, Alex Adams and Samantha Procell. Predeceased by parents Morrill T. and Beatrice M. nee Hale Anderson. Visitation Monday & Tuesday 2-8 p.m. at the Wm. Sullivan & Son Funeral Home, 8459 Hall Road, Utica, MI. Mrs. Adams will lie in state on Wednesday at Villa Penna 43985 Hayes, Sterling Heights at 10:00 a.m. until time of Service at 11:00 a.m. In Lieu of flowers, the family of Lil Adams requests donations in her name be made to: Josephine Ford Cancer Center OR Sterling Heights Community Foundation. A legend in the Macomb County chamber world has passed Lillian Adams, the long-time original executive Director of the Sterling Heights Area Chamber of Commerce, passed away February 5, 2010 at 11:15 p.m. "Lil" as she was known to many, was a resident of Sterling Heights, and she left her mark on the businesses and communities the chamber served, both at personal and professional levels. Known and respected by many, she began her chamber career at the then St. Clair Shores Chamber of Commerce where she worked on a part-time basis for several years prior to accepting the challenge of managing the one-person office of the "Northwest Macomb Chamber of Commerce," located in Utica, 1976. While the chamber underwent several name changes and office locations over the many years, Lil saw the membership grow from the 67 that came with her then-new position to the 1, 500 members. Always humble, kind and gracious, she could also be tenacious, and these qualities earned her the love and respect of many who knew her, and she was able to positively influence politicians at the local, county, state and national levels. She promoted her membership, from the smallest "mom-and-pop" operations to the large corporations; she advocated, supported and defended for each and every one of them. She personally considered herself to be, among other things, a "Business Advocate, Small Business Consultant, Community Facilitator, Economic Development Director and Community Ombudsman." To many, she was simply, "Friend." On her 30th anniversary with the Chamber, Lil wrote, "I'm often asked how I have managed to "hang-in-there" in what is considered a high-risk career. I truly believe that there is no secret to longevity if you just put yourself in the other guy's place ... smile, even if you don't feel like it ... have a genuine love for people and really care about them through both their terrors and triumphs. And yes... you have to love your job!" Lil shared her expertise with others as well. These are just some of the groups, committees and organizations she participated in: Founding Member, Macomb County Community Growth Alliance, Trustee Henry Ford Hospital Northeast Facilities, Macomb County Economic Development Corporation, Michigan Association of Chamber Professionals, City of Utica Community Service Award, Utica/Shelby Twp. Kiwanis Club, Charter Member SterlinglUtica/Shelby Arts Council, Past President, Utica Community Schools Foundation for Educational Excellence, Sterling Heights Brownfield Development Board and EDC Corp., M-59 Task Force, Metropolitan Growth and Development Corp., Board Member Otsikita Girl Scouts, Utica Com. Schools Foundation Distinguished Service Award, Charter Member of the Sterling Heights Community Foundation Board of Directors, Shelby Township Community Foundation, "Michigan Works" Board of Directors, St. Joseph's Mercy Hospital Foundation, Stevenson High School SOS Community Service Award, Macomb County Partnership in Planning Committee, MCC Technical Training Center M-Tec Board, Host of Sterling Heights Television's "Council Connection" and "Meet the Candidates" programs, March of Dimes Alexander Macomb Citizen of the Year award and Board Member, Macomb Community Corrections Board Member Drug Court Steering Committee, Sterling Heights Citizens Advisory Committee, Focus Macomb Futures Initiative. Following her retirement from the everyday routine of leading the chamber for 32 years in May of 2008, she remained active on several community and civic boards and committees, and served as editor and columnist for the Regional Connection, the chamber's monthly news magazine. Chamber directors also created a new award, the Lil Adams Award, in 2009 to honor the legacy and character of Lil The inaugural winner was Clark Andrews, a long-time director and officer of the chamber, and he was recognized for, "Humbleness, a Caring Spirit, and Exemplary Long-term Service to Our Chamber, Our Communities, and Our Fellow Man." At the time of her retirement, she was honored by a host of business and community leaders, chamber members and friends. The City of Sterling Heights also acknowledged her contribution to the growth of the community by presenting her with a tribute, unanimously adopted by the City Council: ... "A resolution recognizing Lil Adams on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director of the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce, for her 32 years of service and her significant contributionto the growth of the City of Sterling Heights." • "Lil Adams served as Executive Director of the Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce for 32 years; • She has been the catalyst for many businesses moving into Sterling Heights, creating thousands of new jobs for our residents; • She has shown her commitment to the community going above and beyond her chamber duties, being involved in such projects as petition drives for the state's initial expansion and development and subsequent repair of Van Dyke Road; • Through Ms. Adams, the Sterling Heights Area Chamber of Commerce became a steady supporter and partner of several Sterling Heights/Chamber projects including Sterlingfest, Sterling Heights Business Appreciation Day and the Manufacturer's Directory; • In addition to her work with businesses, Lil Adams has served, since 1994, on the Community Foundation, the group that helps fund programs that strengthen the city's wide ran~e of recreational, educational and cultural activities; • A Sterling Heights resident, Lil Adams has always taken an active interest in her community through her chamber position and through her volunteer work making Sterling Heights a place where the quality of life and business climate rank No.1; BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Sterling Heights, Macomb County, Michigan recognizes Lil Adams, on the occasion of her retirement as Executive Director ofthe Sterling Heights Chamber of Commerce, for her 32 years of service and her significant contribution to the growth of the City of Sterling Heights." Lil's legacy will continue, as the chamber moves forward absent her personal input and guidance, the values, work ethic and genuine caring for our members, our communities and our citizens will continue on a daily basis. Sterling Heights Mayor Richard J. Notte and long time friend said "She was one hell of a lady." "She built that chamber from scratch to one of the best chambers in Michigan. Sterling Heights has lost a great friend and supporter of the community." Pat Lehman, a long time friend and Sterling Heights Community Relations director stated, "Lil" was so admired and loved by all. It was an honor to be a close friend to her. When she put her mind to a project, she moved mountains. Lil gave Macomb County its quality of life. I will miss her terribly.

Lillian L. Adams

March 31, 1934 - February 5, 2010