Arkey Adams

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dearest Arkey Karla Adams, who left us unexpectedly, but peacefully at her home in Chicago.

Arkey, 45, was a cultural anthropologist, creative producer, daughter, sister, cousin, and cherished friend. Born a Leo, Arkey arrived at Jackson Park Hospital to Cleo Anderson and Adrian Mayberry (née Adams) as the second child, in what would eventually become a lively family of six.

She attended Mahalia Jackson and Jesse Sherwood Elementary School on Chicago’s Southside. Arkey graduated from Englewood High School, and studied Anthropology and Philosophy at Loyola University, York University in Toronto, and Northwestern University. With nearly two decades of diverse experience in Chicago’s philanthropic and arts community, Arkey most recently contributed to the University of Chicago’s Professor Eve Ewing’s Afrofuturism compilation and was included in the 2025 Latino Policy Forum Multicultural Leadership Academy. Arkey also served as the Development & Special Projects Lead for The Black Arts and Culture Alliance of Chicago (BACA). During her tenure, she curated and facilitated “Of Purpose: The Ties That Bind” at Steppenwolf Theatre in 2024. Previously, Arkey was the Artistic Producer, Culturalist, and Strategy Designer at Lookingglass Theatre Company. In 2021, she was appointed to the Chicago Cultural Accessibility Consortium Steering Committee. While Arkey’s collaborations spanned the globe, her heart remained with local institutions such as Access Living, The Field Museum, The DuSable Museum, The Chicago History Museum, The National Museum of Mexican Art, and Rootwork Gallery. Arkey was deeply committed to cultural literacy, accessibility, and intersectional frameworks, always centering the audience’s lens in her work.

Arkey was the beloved daughter of Adriane K. Mayberry (née Adams) of Bloomington, IL; the loving older sister of Arlin Kara Adams and Ardell Kevin (Jeannette) Adams; and the adored “Auntie Key” of Malik Adams, Torii Lynn Adams, and Anna Adams. She was a dear cousin to Dorne Adams, Don’dre Adams, and Jamount Stewart.

Arkey was preceded in death by her father, Cleo Anderson, and her brother, Ardeen Kathan Adams. A devoted and treasured friend to many, Arkey was a shining example of resilience, wit, and boundless creativity. Our beloved Arkey was a straight shooter who commanded the respect, admiration, and love of so many. She inspired all who knew her with her humor and unprecedented bravery. Arkey loved a good meal and could be found on any given weekend jamming to Aretha Franklin and Mary J. Blige.

She lived her precious 45 years to the fullest, breaking barriers and rising above persistent health challenges to achieve her dreams. The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to Dr. Robert Harland. Dr. Harland, affectionately known as the “kidney specialist with the golden hands,” who saved Arkey’s life.

She trusted no other doctor and followed Dr. Harland to Arizona for surgery in 2021. A celebration of Arkey’s life is being planned for later this summer. The details will be shared on this website as soon as they become available.

In honor of Arkey’s legacy, and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider making a donation to support her family during this difficult time. https://gofund.me/671bf47a. Arrangements by Inclusive Funeral Care, 773-318-1305 or www.InclusiveFuneralCare.com.