Maria Sophia Adamson of Valier
Maria Sophia "Sophie" Adamson, 93, of Valier passed away Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020, at StoneBridge Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Benton.
Sophie was born Oct. 6, 1927, in Dresden, Germany. Born to Maria Launhardt and Heinrich Stock, she grew up in Germany, where she was a proofreader at a publishing company. On April 9, 1952, she married Henry M. Adamson of Greenup, Ill., who preceded her in death Sept. 27, 2000.
She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. As a naturalized citizen of the United States and the wife of a career military soldier, she assumed the roles of mother and father during Henry's deployments overseas. Sophie moved with her family to Valier and had resided there since December 1964. After moving to Valier, she was employed as a seamstress at Country Set sewing factory in Du Quoin and later began her home sewing business. As a professional seamstress, she made everything from everyday clothing to creating gowns for proms, homecomings and weddings. She also made cheerleading uniforms for many of the local schools. She enjoyed raising many farm animals, gardening and canning. Later in life, she enjoyed reading, flower gardening, sewing, knitting doilies and embroidery. Throughout life, Sophie engaged in travel adventures in the United States and the world, including Germany, Australia, Turkey and Thailand to name a few.
Sophie's brother, Gunther preceded her in death, and his wife Desley resides in Brisbane, Australia.
Sophie had two daughters and two sons: Dorothee "Dee" Merkle, who preceded her in death,husband Phillip Merkle of Boone, Iowa; Emily and husband Steve Mickelwait of Haymarket, Va.; Michael Adamson of Valier; and Thomas "Tom Tom" Adamson, who preceded her in death.
Grandchildren include: Michael Kelly, wife Sarah, and their children, Kilian and Keira; Katherine Mackenzie, husband Patrick, and children Hayden, Andrew, and Will; Julie Greonig, husband Jake, and children Erin and Louis; William Merkle; Kyle Mickelwait, wife Rae, and children Hayley, Owen and Adam; Leigh Anne Mullins, husband Matt, and children Madison, Max, Millie, Morgan and Maverick; Nikolette Burgett, husband David, and children Aurora, Bridget and husband Dalton and their children, Channing, Delilah, and Isabella; Mitchell Adamson, wife Rasheal and daughter Samantha; and Megan Adamson and wife Ashley.
In addition, Sophie is survived by numerous extended family members in the United States, Germany and Australia.
In accordance to Sophie's wishes, she will be cremated. Visitation will be at 3 p.m. Saturday Oct. 17, 2020, with services immediately following at 4 p.m. at Morton and Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. COVID precautions will be observed.
In lieu of flowers, Sophie requested donations to St. Jude's Children's Hospital. Donations may be made on line at stjude.org or by mail at St. Jude Children's Hospital and Research, Memorial Gift, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
For more information and to send online condolences, visit mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.