Carol Copeland Adams, 56, of Birmingham, Alabama, died unexpectedly on August 30, 2023, surrounded by family, after a brief illness. She is survived by her husband, Brooks Taylor Adams; son, Noah Brooks Adams; daughter, Rebecca Claire Adams; brothers, Charles William Copeland, Jr., and Carl Raimon Copeland, and by her two mothers-in-law, Jo Alison Taylor, and Joyce Cagle Adams. She was preceded in death by her parents, Doris Jean Huggins Copeland and Charles William Copeland, Sr.
Carol grew up in Florence, Alabama, and attended Birmingham-Southern College. She held a degree in Psychology from BSC and studied Early Childhood Education in the master’s program at the University of North Alabama.
For the last 13 years, Carol was a Pre-K teacher at St. Mark’s Early Learning Center. She taught 150 children in her time there, and was one of the most-requested teachers in the Pre-K program, beloved by students, parents, and coworkers. She remarked recently that her first class of students would be 17 years old this year, and she could still remember the names and faces of most of those children.
Carol was a wonderful mother, friend, wife, and teacher. She was devoted to her family, the dog, Finn, and the cat, Mr. Frank (somewhat less than the dog), and was the essence of goodness and empathy. She was also very funny, and could light up a room with her smile or a bit of dry humor. The family has been members of St. Mary’s on the Highlands for 22 years, and she was very involved in the children’s ministry there. She also deserved several medals for the many years during which she wrestled two rambunctious children in the pews while Dad blissfully sang in the choir.
The list of extended family, lake friends, coworkers, college and childhood friends, and others whose lives she touched is long, and they have made themselves known in remarkable ways since Carol’s passing. The family is grateful for every touchpoint and kindness received and wishes also to express gratitude to the medical professionals at the UAB MICU for their incredible care of her during her last days.
The funeral and celebration of life will be held at St. Mary’s on the Highlands Episcopal Church, Birmingham, AL, 1910 12th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205, on Thursday, September 7, at 11:00 AM, with a celebratory reception immediately following the service. For those who cannot attend in person, it will be livestreamed at the following link: https://www. stmarysoth.org/live (https://www.stmarysoth.org/live). A funeral service in the Episcopal tradition is an Easter resurrection service. Anyone who can attend live or via livestream should be prepared to celebrate, laugh, and leave their mourning at the door.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in any amount in Carol’s honor to the Community Kitchens of Birmingham in c/o St. Mary’s on the Highlands.
