Elmira Adami

Elmira Adami was born October 18, 1928, the youngest child of Eduardo Mendez and Esther Briones Mendez. She was raised in Cotulla, Texas with her older siblings, Ed Jr. “Eddie”, and Esther.  Elmira was shaped by her childhood in many ways.  Her father taught her the importance of hard work, believing in yourself, and tenacity. Her mother taught her the importance of education, culture, and, above all, faith. When Elmira was only sixteen years old, both of her parents fell ill and died within three weeks of one another. This tragedy stayed imprinted on her heart for the rest of her life, and it stirred in her the deep desire to have a big family of her own. She often said that she prayed to God to marry a rancher and have many children, and He abundantly answered her prayers. At seventeen, Elmira became part of the Adami family, moved to their ranch in Webb County, and began her own Adami family.  She found stability and love in her devoted husband, Grant Adami, Jr., who was by her side every step in their incredible journey of growing and raising their family together.  

After having four children, Elmira and Grant decided to move the family to Freer so that everyone could easily get to school.  They built and furnished their home together and worked tirelessly to make it a welcoming gathering place for family and friends.  Three more children were added to Elmira and Grant’s beautiful brood making their magical total seven.  Life was full of adventures and work while raising the kids—their sons’ high school and college football games, hunting season, working cattle, holiday gatherings, sewing, and so much more. As one can imagine, life with such a big family came with challenges, but Elmira always faced them with her remarkable faith and positive attitude. To keep everyone in line, she and Grant were consistent in their insistence on high principles, discipline, and respect. The Grant and Elmira Adami foundation of love, values, and grit has been woven into the lives of their children and grandchildren and how they have raised their own children. 

When Elmira was 48, she went back to school and received her college degree and two subsequent master’s degree from Texas A&I (now Texas A&M) in Kingsville. Thereafter, Elmira taught English and Spanish at Freer High School for 26 years. She was loved and respected by her students and kept up with many of them long after they graduated. Elmira welcomed students, friends, and friends of her family alike into her home with open arms, always leaving her door unlocked so they could “come on in”.  She fed and chatted with visitors at the well-known marble-top in her kitchen and her warmth and generosity always made them feel part of her family.

One of Elmira’s greatest joys was watching her family grow. When each grandchild and great-grandchild arrived, her heart grew to include the new addition to her family.  She had the incredible ability to make each child feel as though they were the center of her world, and with the remarkable capacity with which God blessed her, each one was in their own way and time. Her constant prayers and love strengthened her family in the darkest moments of their lives, and she always trusted that life unfolded according to God’s plan. She demonstrated resilience in the face of hardship time and time again and upheld her family even after losing her beloved Grant after 49 years of marriage and her eldest child Buster a short few years later. 

Elmira was the touchstone in her family for ninety-five blessed years, and her desire to continue the Adami tradition and spirit lives on with each generation.  The pride she held in this legacy was well-earned. We will forever remember her for her boundless love and strength, and we are comforted in knowing that she left this world with gratitude in her heart.  As she always happily declared, “My cup runneth over!”

Elmira was preceded in death by her parents Ed and Esther Mendez; her siblings Eddie Mendez and Esther Gonzales; her husband Grant Edwin Adami, Jr.; her son John George “Buster” Adami, Jr; and her granddaughter Tamara Lynn Adami.

  She is survived by her loving children and their families: Buster’s widow Sylvia and their family: Tara, her husband Jason Hoelscher, and their children; John G. “Trey”, his wife Candace, and their children; her son Asa “Scott”, his wife Laurel, and their family: Austin and his children; Allan, his wife Lindsey, and their children; and Blake; her son Grant Edwin III “Tres”, his wife Tami, and their family: Micah, her husband Robert Biddy, and their children; Britt, her husband Dan Snyder, and their children; Grant Edwin IV “Winn”; and Wyatt; Lea and her son Robert, his wife Allie, and their children; her son Ira “Ross”; her son Ara “Randolph”, his wife Katie, and their family: Justin and his wife Nicole; Ryan; and Caroline; and her daughter Mia, her husband Henry “Scott” Taylor, and their family: Alexandra and her husband Colin; and Grant.

Family will be receiving Friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday, November 2, 2023, at Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 E. Main Street, Alice, Texas, 78332.  A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, November 2, 2023 at The First Baptist Church in Freer, Texas, 515 E. Laredo Street. A Private Family Burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, Elmira’s family would welcome a contribution in her name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (stjude.org). 

Services are entrusted to Holmgreen Mortuary, 2061 East Main Street, Alice, Texas.

Condolences may be offered at www.holmgreenmortuaryinc.com

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