Leslie Daurice Adams

Leslie "Kemp" Daurice Adams was cherished for his warmth, joy, and unique ability to connect with others. Born on December 1, 1978, as the youngest child of Wanda A. (nee Henderson) and Edward Leslie Adams, he grew up in Niagara Falls, NY, where he formed deep roots in the community. In 1989, he found faith and was baptized at New Jerusalem Revival Center under the late Bishop Euriah Colvin's guidance. Kemp graduated from LaSalle Senior High School, Niagara Falls, NY, in 1997. Kemp transitioned peacefully on December 24, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He found joy in the simple things in life. He especially enjoyed music, golf, and motorcycles. A gifted drummer and bass guitarist, he often blessed Stonecreek Church in Urbana, IL, led by Pastor Ricky Spindler, with his talent. Kemp loved music that inspired others, and his joyful spirit truly touched everyone he encountered.

Kemp's passion for learning began at the Bridgeton Public Library in Bridgeton, NJ, where his great-aunt worked. He was enrolled in the Youth Summer Reading Program, where he developed a love for reading and a passion for higher education. As an aspiring college student, Kemp joined Upward Bound at Buffalo State University, a program helping high school students from underserved communities prepare for college. He cared about his own education and enjoyed sharing his faith and personal story, showing natural leadership and kindness. In 2000, at Stony Brook University, he joined Malik Fraternity, Inc., demonstrating dedication to community service, integrity, and friendship. Kemp earned an Associate of Arts degree from Suffolk County Community College in 2004 and, later, a bachelor's degree in Legal Studies from Kaplan University in 2010. Kemp’s most recent job was at Busey Bank as a Loan Document Specialist, where coworkers appreciated the encouraging words of affirmation on Post-it notes on his desk.

In 2013, Kemp moved to Champaign, Illinois, where he became a volunteer member of Champaign-Urbana Crime Stoppers. He is survived by his children: Mahki Adams and his mother, Shanda Muldrow of Riverhead, NY; Ayden and Gabriel Adams, and their mother, Miranda Conover (Gerald), of Champaign, IL; and his step-son, Julian Patterson, of Urbana, IL. Also surviving are his parents, Edward L. Adams and Wanda A. Adams; his siblings, Shuna Adams, Lynne Adams of Woodbridge, VA, and Edward M. Adams (Nazgol) of Potomac Falls, VA; and his childhood friend, John Spencer (Dayanara) of Snellville, GA. His extended family includes uncles Donald Henderson, Sr., and Kevin Adams; aunts Sandra “Penny” Henderson, Sandra Henderson, and Cecelia “Diana” Henderson; along with many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Kemp deeply loved his family, expressing it each day; his sons brought him his greatest joy. He will be dearly missed by all who loved him. Kemp was preceded in death by his grandmothers, Frances N. Hamilton and Laura B. Rainear; his great-aunts, Jessie M. Purefoy and Lucy McNeal; his aunts, Louise Henderson, Linda Thomas, Dawn Collier, and Doreen Adams; and his uncles, Larry Henderson and Christopher Henderson. As we grieve, we find comfort in the love and joy Kemp shared, and remember the light he brought into our lives. To honor Kemp, we invite you to share stories, laughter, and his favorite music, so that this celebration of his life inspires us to carry forward the unity and warmth he cherished.

Celebration of Life will commence at 12:00 Noon Saturday January 10, 2026 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home, 1215 W. Bradley Ave. Urbana. Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service. Interment will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Vineland New Jersey at 12:00 Noon Thursday January 15, 2026.

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