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West Columbia, SC: Adrianne Alisa Workman Douglas, 58, West Columbia, SC (formerly of Bethany and King City, MO) passed away January 6, 2025.
Adrianne was born on December 31, 1966 to Larry and Pat Heaps (Lane) in Trenton, Missouri. She graduated from South Harrison High School in 1985. Adrianne went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Missouri Western State University in 1992 and later a Master of Science in Elementary Administration and Supervision from Northwest Missouri State University in 2000.
After a few years of working in daycare, she began her teaching career at Pattonsburg R-II, teaching 4th grade from 1996 to 1998. She went on to teach 6th grade at King City R-1, where she remained for 10 years until she became Elementary Principal. Over the years, she remained an active member of various professional organizations, served her community and school diligently, and received accolades such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club Local Teacher of the Year. She held her position as Principal from 2008 until 2012, when she unfortunately had to retire early due to unforeseen health complications. As a passionate educator, in retirement she found joy offering help to anyone who asked for proofreading, tutoring, résumé writing, and provided mentorship to others pursuing a career in education, including her son.
Even with all her academic and career success, Adrianne’s greatest achievement was raising her children – she loved sharing all their activities and accomplishments with everyone in her life. She equally adored her grandchildren, niece, and grand-dogs who lovingly referred to her as Nae-Nae and Auntie A. Adrianne loved traveling and exploring new parts of the world, but her favorite place was the beach, where she said she always found a sense of calm. She and her husband, John, shared many weekends together at Lake Murray, camping and enjoying time with friends around the fire. An avid Chiefs fan, Adrianne even enjoyed a game with her family on her final day. She loved fiercely, and through all her own personal health struggles, she continuously put others above herself – even in her last hours making sure that everyone else was taken care of.
It is hard to find the words to truly encompass the person Adrianne was, however, loved ones from near and far have shared these sentiments with her family since her passing: Adrianne was a cherished friend, a sweet soul, a beautiful, amazing woman who was so intelligent with a heart of gold. She touched countless lives and had a positive influence on all who knew her. She was a shining light who sparked brightness in others and simply found joy in anything that brought joy to those around her. Friends described her as spunky and sassy, with a heart so big it encompassed so many. She never met a stranger – her warmth and kindness were felt immediately, and she became a friend to all. She was a favorite teacher and terrific educator to many, truly caring for her students and providing mentorship and guidance that will never be forgotten. Her strength was immense and her love for her family was never-ending. She had an undeniable passion for the things she loved and spared nothing when it came to giving, whether it be family, friends or children at school. She gave her all, all the time. She was the calm in the storm for everyone around her. Some even described her as one of the nicest people they ever met who will be remembered for her love and kindness to others. She was admired for her intellect, her strength, her grit, and her advocacy for what she believed in, most of all her loyalty to those she loved. Simply put, any life she touched was made better by her positive impact. She was so very loved and will be dearly missed by all who knew her.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Pat Heaps; her maternal and paternal grandparents; and a maternal aunt and a paternal uncle.
Adrianne is survived by her husband, John Douglas; her father, Larry Heaps; her children, Dalton and Makinsey Workman, Nicole (Tyson) Schweder, and Austin (Ashley) Workman; and her sister, Melissa (Kevin) Peterson. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Beckett Ackley and Vivian Schweder, and Greyson, Avery, and Olivia Workman; niece, Chloe Peterson; and aunts, Juanita Whiteid, Evelyn (John) Thoelcke, and Cheryl Lane. Additionally, Adrianne is survived by several cousins and many dear friends who she considered family.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 5:00 p.m. Saturday, January 18 at the King City R-1 School, King City, MO under the direction of Roberson Funeral Home, King City, MO. A meal will follow the service. In honor of Adrianne’s life, we invite you to contribute to the Adrianne Workman Douglas Memorial Scholarship fund to be rewarded to students pursuing a career in education. The scholarship will be in care of Roberson Funeral Home, P.O. Box 153, King City, MO 64463 and will accept donations by mail or at her services. Online condolences may be left at www.robersonfuneralhome.com.